Tighter control for all except M’sians bound for S’pore

Move aimed at detecting, containing Omicron variant from spreading to the republic

SINGAPORE: The republic will enhance its testing protocols for travellers arriving in the country from Dec 3, including via the air Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL), as it steps up efforts to detect and contain the Omicron variant.

All travellers arriving via the air VTL after the cut-off date will have to undergo additional supervised self-administered Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) at a Quick Test Centre on days three and seven.

However, Malaysians entering or leaving the island republic will not be subject to the stricter measures.

According to the republic’s Multiministry Taskforce on Covid-19, the enhanced measures will apply for four weeks in the first instance and will be reviewed and extended if necessary.

Speaking at a virtual media conference yesterday, the co-chair of the taskforce, Gan Kim Yong, said the land VTL with Malaysia, will not be subjected to the measures.

Gan, who is also the republic’s Trade and Industry minister, said the risk of importation via the land VTL arrangement is mitigated by the travel restrictions Malaysia has imposed on countries and regions affected by Omicron,Bernama reported.

“The land link between Singapore and Malaysia is quite different from the air link. Currently, it is restricted only to citizens and long-term pass holders, which means no foreigners will be allowed to make use of the land link,” he said.

“So, there are various measures in place to mitigate the risks and therefore, the days three and seven additional ART test currently may not be applied to the VTL land link between Singapore and Malaysia.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation and carry out continuous risk assessments and if necessary, additional measures may be introduced.

“Currently, there is no plan to introduce additional ART for arrivals from Malaysia via land.”

Travellers arriving in Singapore from Malaysia via the land VTL will only be required to undertake the test upon arrival, he said on Sunday.

The ministry said this is in view of recent reports of a potentially more contagious variant of the Covid-19 virus, the B.1.1.529, now known as Omicron.

Under the enhanced measures, among others, all air travellers entering or transiting through Singapore, including travellers from Category I countries or regions, must undergo a Pre-departure Test within two days of their departure for Singapore.

Those entering Singapore, including travellers from Category II (non-VTL), III and IV countries, must undergo a Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test on arrival.

With effect from Aug 28, Singapore has classified countries or regions into four categories, each with differentiated border measures.

Malaysia and Singapore officially launched the air and land VTL on Monday.