Singapore lifting travel curbs for Brunei, NZ; reducing SHN period for mainland China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia excluding Victoria

Singapore

SINGAPORE is lifting travel restrictions for visitors from Brunei and New Zealand, while reducing the stay-home notice (SHN) period for travellers from low-risk countries/regions.

Prior to travelling to Singapore, visitors from Brunei and New Zealand will need to apply for an Air Travel Pass (ATP) between seven and 30 days before their intended date of entry into Singapore.

Upon arrival in Singapore, they will be subject to a Covid-19 test in lieu of SHN.

Co-chair of the multi-ministry task force Lawrence Wong noted during a press conference on Friday that the arrangements with these two countries are not reciprocal.

People visiting these two countries are advised to check the entry requirements imposed by the respective governments, as well as take necessary precautions. Mr Wong added that discussions with both countries are ongoing.

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Application for the ATP will start from Sept 1 for travel from Sept 8. More details will be provided by the Ministry of Transport next week.

Meanwhile, travellers from low-risk countries/regions such as Australia (excluding Victoria state), Macao, mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia will have a reduced SHN of seven days. The Covid-19 test will be administered before the end of the seven-day SHN.

The travel advisory will also be updated to allow students pursuing academic qualifications overseas to travel for studies, if distance-learning is not offered as an option, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The Singapore Airlines Group, the International Air Transport Association and other industry players called it a step in the right direction.

"Today's announcement is an important step towards the gradual rebuilding of the Singapore air hub," SIA said in a statement.

On the community front, the multi-ministry taskforce said the list of public facilities where organised exercise classes conducted by instructors can take place will be expanded from Sept 1 to include more open spaces at SportSG sport centres and parks, and HDB common areas.

These classes must be organised by an instructor who is responsible for ensuring that the safe management measures are in place and adhered to.

The instructor must be registered to conduct these activities.

On the other hand, several measures were introduced and/or tightened. Two malls - Lucky Plaza and Peninsula Plaza - will have odd and even date entry restrictions imposed on the weekends starting from Aug 29.

Those with an even last digit on their NRIC or FIN cards can visit these malls only on even dates while those with an odd last digit can visit only on odd dates.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said these two malls attract large crowds and long queues on weekends and that the taskforce will continue to monitor the situation closely.

"Other premises that face similar problems with management issues may also be required to adopt this entry restriction if necessary," he said.

On the food and beverage (F&B) front, the taskforce said it is tightening the rules to allow recorded music at F&B outlets to be played as soft background music only.

Mr Wong also urged patrons to refrain from booking multiple tables for large gatherings in F&B outlets.

Households with more than five persons who wish to dine out together may book more than one table to accommodate everyone.

They should however limit their interactions between tables.

At Friday noon , MOH reported an additional 117 cases of Covid-19 infection in Singapore, including six in the community comprising three Singaporeans/PRs and three Work Pass holders.