Easier Covid tests for Category 2, 3 countries; 8 Asean countries upgraded

SINGAPORE has upgraded risk classifications of several Asean countries as the pandemic situation is fast stabilising in the region, the multi-ministry taskforce on Covid-19 said on Monday evening.

These are part of several reclassifications, all of which take effect from 11.59 pm on Nov 11.

Moving up to Category 2 are Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Moving up to Category 3 are Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand.

This gives Singapore scope "to start opening up our borders with regional countries", added taskforce co-chair Ong Ye Kung at the press conference.

Other countries newly entering Category 2 are Egypt, Hungary, Israel, Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, South Africa, Tonga, and the United Arab Emirates.

Joining Category 3 are Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Kuwait, Mexico, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine.

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Travellers from Category 2 countries must serve a 7-day stay-home notice (SHN), while those from Category 3 countries serve a 10-day SHN.

Singapore will also recognise more types of pre-departure tests for travellers arriving in or transiting through Singapore from Category 2 and 3 countries, including travellers arriving via VTLs.

Currently, such travellers must produce a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result. From 11.59 pm on Nov 11, Singapore will also accept a negative professionally-administered antigen rapid test (ART) result, taken within 2 days prior to departure.

Travellers from Category 4 countries must still produce a negative PCR test.

A new Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTLs) is being launched with Malaysia, for travel between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. This takes effect from Nov 29, with both countries also in discussions to launch a similar scheme for travel across land links.

"We are also in discussions with our other Asean neighbours to reconnect with them, and we will make further announcements when ready," said Transport Minister S Iswaran.

VTLs with Finland and Sweden are also being launched with effect from Nov 29.

The daily quota of arrivals on VTL flights will be increased from 4,000 now to 6,000 when the 3 new VTLs launch.

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