Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will give an update on Singapore's Covid-19 situation in an address to the nation at 11am, with the multi-ministry taskforce following up with a press conference of their own. There's been a lot of speculation as to what he will be announcing today. Perhaps more relaxed restrictions and safe management measures? Or no more VTLs? Or even an increase in numbers for social gatherings? We'll bring the important takeaways as we go along.
After providing an overview of the situation, Prime Minister Lee runs through the impact of the Delta and Omicron waves. Daily cases have been coming down, and daily infections were halved in about three weeks. He mentioned that “our population has stronger immunity” and that “the pressure is now easing”.
Social gatherings will increase to ten people
But one-metre distancing between groups will still be observed. Up to 75 percent of employees who WFH will be able to return to their workplace. There will also be an increased capacity limit for events.
Wearing masks in outdoor settings is optional
Wearing masks outdoors will be optional but indoor settings will still be compulsory. This new rule will start from March 29, Tuesday.
Opening land travel between Singapore and Malaysia
This is still in discussion between the two parties but Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to start working towards resuming full air and land travel for vaccinated people.
Fourth vaccine dose?
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that the Ministry of Health has agreed to the expert committee's recommendation of a fourth vaccine dose for those who are immunocompromised, have serious chronic disease, those in aged care facilities or aged 80 and above. However, there are no plans to extend the fourth dose to the rest of the population.