Singapore eases Covid restrictions as vaccination rate rises

SINGAPORE – The Singapore government said on Friday it would start easing Covid-19 measures next week as the proportion of people vaccinated rises.

The government has revised Covid measures several times since May due to an increase in locally transmitted infections – many of which are caused by the more transmissible delta variant. The country last tightened its measures on July 22 by banning meals on site and limiting social gatherings.

Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the number of daily cases has stabilized since the latest restrictions were imposed. Meanwhile, the share of people who received two doses of the Covid vaccine fell from around 40% to 67% on Thursday.

“We have prevented an uncontrollable increase in infections, serious illnesses and deaths,” Ong, who co-chairs the country’s Covid task force, told reporters in a briefing.

Singapore has one of the fastest vaccination deployments in the world. Ong said the proportion of people fully vaccinated would rise to around 70% by Monday, when the country celebrates the national day.

But since a “significant” portion of the population is still not fully immunized, the government will implement differentiated social rules based on the immunization status of people, said Gan Kim Yong, Ministry of Commerce and Culture. ‘Industry and Co-Chair of the Coronavirus Working Group.

Starting Tuesday next week, the size of social gathering groups will increase from two to five. But the government “strongly” encouraged the unvaccinated to stay in pairs.

Meals in catering establishments will be allowed for groups of up to five people if all are fully vaccinated or have a negative Covid test within the past 24 hours. But meals in outdoor food centers and cafes are only allowed for groups of no more than two people, regardless of vaccination status.

The Singapore government has also announced some easing of border restrictions.

Beginning Tuesday, Singapore will allow the entry of more fully immunized work pass holders and their dependents. And starting August 20, fully vaccinated travelers from selected countries – including Australia, Canada, Germany and South Korea – can undergo mandatory home quarantine.

“We are now in a better position to resume our reopening journey, but in a careful and calibrated manner,” said Gan.

The government has said it will ease the measures further around the beginning of September, when 80% of the population is expected to be fully vaccinated.