SINGAPORE: Individuals with a journey history to South Africa within the last 14 days won’t be allowed to enter or transit by way of Singapore from Monday (Jan 4), the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced.
The restriction will apply to long-term pass holders and short-term guests, together with those that have obtained prior approval to enter Singapore, the ministry stated in a press release on Friday.
Returning Singaporeans and permanent residents will be required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arriving in Singapore at the start of their 14-day stay-home notice.
“These test necessities don’t apply to those that are only transiting through Singapore,” stated MOH.
The tighter border measures will be put in place given the “deteriorating situation in South Africa”, stated the ministry, and to prevent the spread of a potentially more contagious strain of the COVID-19 virus circulating in South Africa.
“Whereas the strain has been suggested to be more transmissible, there’s presently insufficient evidence to find out if this strain is associated with any change in disease severity, antibody response or vaccine efficacy,” it added.
“These aspects are being investigated. MOH will consider the info because it emerges and reviews our border measures accordingly.”
South Africa confirmed a record 17,710 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, with a positivity rate of 33 percent, Reuters reported.
The speed shows the number of positive tests against the entire test and is an indicator of how quickly the virus spreads.
South Africa’s government has attributed the surge in cases to the new strain, called 501.V2.
At present, travelers with the latest travel history to South Africa are required to serve a 14-day stay-home notice at dedicated facilities upon arrival in Singapore.
Those that should not Singapore residents or permanent residents are also required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure and shows a valid COVID-19 test result as a condition of approval to enter Singapore.
