The Singapore government announced on November 8 that 23 countries that were previously classified as having a high risk of Covid-19 infection will have their quarantine restrictions eased upon entry into the country. The list includes Vietnam and several other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Laos.
Under the new regulations, from November 11, people entering Singapore from the 23 countries above will be able to choose to quarantine for 10 days at home or at a hotel of their choice, instead of being quarantined in a centralized facility. These people also only need to present a negative rapid Covid-19 test within 2 days before departing to Singapore, instead of requiring a PCR test result as currently required.
Singapore also added three new routes for people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 in Malaysia, Sweden and Finland. From November 29, the country will increase the number of daily arrivals to 6,000, an increase of 2,000 compared to the current number.
In addition to relaxing restrictions on entry, Singapore has also relaxed domestic anti-epidemic regulations. Accordingly, from November 10, people in the same family who have been fully vaccinated can sit down to eat together in groups of five in restaurants that ensure epidemic prevention conditions. Cafes and street vendors are still limited to two people as before.
One new feature is that restaurants are allowed to play soft music while diners dine. The government still prohibits these venues from hosting live entertainment shows. Crowded activities such as outdoor sports are also being piloted, but only for fully vaccinated people.
