Singapore
Singapore to waive stay-home notice for New Zealand and Brunei travellers, will test them for COVID-19 on arrival
Changi Airport 18
Travellers walking out from the arrival hall at Changi Airport Terminal 1 (Photo: Jeremy Long)
By Rachel Phua
21 Aug 2020 07:01PM
(Updated: 21 Aug 2020 10:32PM)
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SINGAPORE: From Sep 1, some travellers coming to Singapore from Brunei and New Zealand will not be required to serve a stay-home notice but will take a COVID-19 test upon arrival instead, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday (Aug 21).
At the same time, Singapore will update its travel advisory for people who want to visit these countries. Under the current advisory, residents are advised to defer all travel abroad, except for essential business and official travel under green-lane and fast-lane arrangements.
The advisory will be updated to allow general travel to Brunei and New Zealand, said MOH on Friday. People visiting these two countries are advised to check the entry requirements imposed by the respective governments, as well as take the necessary precautions.
READ: SIA, Changi Airport welcome Government's decision to ease some COVID-19 travel restrictions
Co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force Lawrence Wong said during a press conference on Friday that the arrangements with Brunei and New Zealand are not reciprocal, but discussions with both countries are ongoing.
“When we are ready with the reciprocal green lane arrangements with these two countries, we will announce the details,” he said.
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"Specific to these two countries, we are making a move based on the evidence, based on our assessment of risk," he added.
READ: Households with more than 5 people may book more than 1 table in F&B outlets; more exercise classes in open spaces
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.
“When overseas, travellers should take all necessary precautions, observe good personal hygiene, monitor local developments, and heed the advice of local authorities,” MOH said.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong urged those who are intending to travel to plan ahead.
"Don't just hop on the plane and go. Please check what are the requirements of the destination countries, make sure that you comply with the requirements before you fly over.
"At the same time when you're there, continue to exercise vigilance, continue to exercise safe distancing, and also observe the safe distancing rules in those countries, so that you protect yourself and protect others," he added.
Those who comply with the travel advisories will be eligible for Government subsidies and MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan coverage for their COVID-19 treatment should they have onset of symptoms within 14 days of their return to Singapore and require hospital admission for suspected infection, said MOH.
Singaporeans and residents of Singapore are advised to defer all other forms of travel overseas, the health ministry added.
BRUNEI, NEW ZEALAND TRAVELLERS TESTED ON ARRIVAL
Since Jun 18, travellers from low-risk countries and regions – Australia (excluding Victoria State), Brunei Darussalam, Macau, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam – have been allowed to serve their 14-day stay-home notice at their own place of residence.
They are also tested before the end of their stay-home notice.
"Amongst these low-risk countries, we will start by lifting our current border restrictions to allow the entry of visitors from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand into Singapore," said MOH.
Singapore Singapore to waive stay-home notice for New Zealand and Brunei travellers, will test them for COVID-19 on arrival Changi Airport 18 Travellers walking out from the arrival hall at Changi Airport Terminal 1 (Photo: Jeremy Long) By Rachel Phua 21 Aug 2020 07:01PM (Updated: 21 Aug 2020 10:32PM)
Bookmark
SINGAPORE: From Sep 1, some travellers coming to Singapore from Brunei and New Zealand will not be required to serve a stay-home notice but will take a COVID-19 test upon arrival instead, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday (Aug 21).
At the same time, Singapore will update its travel advisory for people who want to visit these countries. Under the current advisory, residents are advised to defer all travel abroad, except for essential business and official travel under green-lane and fast-lane arrangements.
The advisory will be updated to allow general travel to Brunei and New Zealand, said MOH on Friday. People visiting these two countries are advised to check the entry requirements imposed by the respective governments, as well as take the necessary precautions.
READ: SIA, Changi Airport welcome Government's decision to ease some COVID-19 travel restrictions
Co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force Lawrence Wong said during a press conference on Friday that the arrangements with Brunei and New Zealand are not reciprocal, but discussions with both countries are ongoing.
“When we are ready with the reciprocal green lane arrangements with these two countries, we will announce the details,” he said.
Advertisement
"Specific to these two countries, we are making a move based on the evidence, based on our assessment of risk," he added.
READ: Households with more than 5 people may book more than 1 table in F&B outlets; more exercise classes in open spaces
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.
“When overseas, travellers should take all necessary precautions, observe good personal hygiene, monitor local developments, and heed the advice of local authorities,” MOH said.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong urged those who are intending to travel to plan ahead.
"Don't just hop on the plane and go. Please check what are the requirements of the destination countries, make sure that you comply with the requirements before you fly over.
"At the same time when you're there, continue to exercise vigilance, continue to exercise safe distancing, and also observe the safe distancing rules in those countries, so that you protect yourself and protect others," he added.
Those who comply with the travel advisories will be eligible for Government subsidies and MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plan coverage for their COVID-19 treatment should they have onset of symptoms within 14 days of their return to Singapore and require hospital admission for suspected infection, said MOH.
Singaporeans and residents of Singapore are advised to defer all other forms of travel overseas, the health ministry added.
BRUNEI, NEW ZEALAND TRAVELLERS TESTED ON ARRIVAL
Since Jun 18, travellers from low-risk countries and regions – Australia (excluding Victoria State), Brunei Darussalam, Macau, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam – have been allowed to serve their 14-day stay-home notice at their own place of residence.
They are also tested before the end of their stay-home notice.
"Amongst these low-risk countries, we will start by lifting our current border restrictions to allow the entry of visitors from Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand into Singapore," said MOH.