Singapore is set to scrap Covid-19 measures as the population reached a high-level of immunity.
1. Lifting Covid-19 restrictions
Singapore is opening doors to non-vaccinated travellers without requiring them to show proof of a negative pre-departure test. All travelers entering the country via air or sea must still submit a health declaration before or on arrival, but no restrictions will be faced when entering in Singapore.
Since February 13, the country has lifted all remaining Covid-19 measures, including scrapping its mask requirement on public transport and it no longer requires travelers to purchase Covid-19 travel insurance. Singapore’s Multi-Ministry Taskforce, formed in January 2020 in response to Covid-19, will also stand down. The exception mandating to carry a mask, however, is required whenever interacting with patients in healthcare and residential care settings.
Overall, the health situation in Singapore stabilised and the population had developed a high level of immunity from severe Covid-19, a country representative said. “Our Covid situation has remained stable over the recent months, despite increased travel over the year and holidays and China’s shift from zero Covid,” said Singapore’s deputy prime minister Lawrence Wong, who is also co-chair of the Covid task force.
2. Restrictions may come back
Last year, Singapore predicted it would hit pre-pandemic visitor numbers by mid-2025 and outlined plans to recover from the pandemic more sustainably. According to the country’s Ministry of Health, the restrictions under the Vaccinated Travel Framework – which was implemented in April 2022 – may be reactivated if there are international developments of concern, such as new severe variants or signs that the healthcare capacity is strained.
3. Endemic phase
According to the Ministry of Health, around 92% of the population has completed the primary vaccination series as of January, while 83% has “minimum protection”, which refers to the primary series and first booster shot.
Our high vaccination coverage is one of the key reasons why we progressively restore normal lives … and [arrive] at today’s DORSCON green, endemic new norm.
Ong Ye Kung, Health Minister
Singapore reported 377 cases of Covid-19 on February 15, with infections continuing to fall from a record 26,032 cases nearly a year ago on February 22. Most of those infected in Singapore had mild or no symptoms.
