Singapore tightens border measures for travellers from Finland and Turkey

Singapore's Multi-Ministry Taskforce has announced the tightening of border measures for travellers from Finland and Turkey, in line with the increase in cases in both countries. At the same time, the Taskforce has extended its community surveillance testing operations to more identified groups in the community.

According to a media release by the Ministry of Health (MOH), all travellers entering Singapore from 28 November 2020, 11.59pm (SGT), who have a travel history to Finland and Turkey in the past 14 days, will be required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated facilities, even if they have obtained approval to opt-out earlier. 

Travellers from Fiji, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are still allowed to apply to opt-out of dedicated SHN facilities and serve their 14-day SHN at their place of residence, provided they fulfil the following criteria: 

• Travelled to no other country/region than above-mentioned countries/regions (including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China, New Zealand, Taiwan and Vietnam, as of 26 November 2020), in the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry.
• Are occupying their place of residence (i.e. residential address) alone, or only with household members who are also persons serving SHN with the same travel history and duration of SHN.

All travellers are reminded to check the SafeTravel website for the most updated border measures before entering Singapore. Travellers are also advised to be prepared for prevailing border measures upon entry, including payment for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities, tests and treatment.

As it facilitiates the resumption of key economic activities, the Singapore government will continue to review and calibrate our border measures to enable a safe reopening of the country's borders.

Extending community surveillance testing operations to more identified groups

Testing operations for identified community groups - such as stallholders, food delivery personnel, and cashiers - have been conducted at Marine Parade, Ang Mo Kio and Taman Jurong since September 2020. More than 5,000 individuals have participated in these voluntary exercises and have all have tested negative for COVID-19. 

Despite the low prevalence rates in the community, to avoid a resurgence of COVID-19 as Singapore continues to reopen the economy, government agencies will be reaching out to other identified community groups to offer COVID-19 testing on a one-time basis. 

In the coming weeks, COVID-19 testing will be offered to stallholders in and around Tekka Centre, as well as individuals working at key delivery centres (such as Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre) and key logistics delivery companies. The cost of the tests will be fully borne by the government and individuals in the identified community groups are strongly encouraged to utilise the testing services offered. 

With testing remaining a key enabler to safe reopening, the Singapore government will continue to extend surveillance testing progressively to more community groups across the island. 

Photo / 123RF