Government has imposed Code Red measures without calling the situation Code Red

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S'pore's new Covid-19 rules: Can family living together go out in groups of more than 2?​

View attachment 111722

SINGAPORE - With Singapore set to enter a new wave of restrictions from Sunday (May 16), much confusion surrounds the "rule of two".

The Straits Times answers questions on what you can and cannot do.

Going out and leisure activities​

Q: Can members of the same household go out in groups of more than two people?

A: Yes, family members living together can go out as one group to do essential activities, such as to attend school or for medical appointments.

They can also go out together as a family unit to take care of their elderly relatives, such as their grandparents, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a Facebook post on Saturday. He added that for grocery shopping, however, they should try to keep this to two family members only, to minimise the family’s exposure to the virus.

The Health Ministry (MOH) said it recognises that there may also be occasions when members of the same household may need to move around in groups larger than two, especially those with young children or elderly parents.

When members of the same household may need to move about in groups larger than two, they should bring along proof of identity such as NRICs to facilitate the checking of particulars by enforcement officers and safe distancing ambassadors, who will be patrolling public spaces.

As such, the ministry is prepared to be flexible in its implementation of the general rule for such bona fide cases. However, households are strongly urged to observe the prevailing group size limits in public settings and venues as far as possible.

Q: Can two people eat outside of home in a public place, such as at the beach, the park or even the void deck? Are picnics allowed? What about people like food delivery personnel who may not have anywhere to eat?

A: While the consumption of food and drinks at public spaces, like parks, is not prohibited, this should be done in instances when it would be inconvenient to return to the home or workplace to eat.

In such cases, members of the public or workers should avoid crowded spaces and minimise social interactions, including maintaining safe distancing at all times.

Q: Can my parents continue to come over to my place to take care of my children, and can I send my children to their place as well?

A: Yes, you can continue to do so, said Mr Ong. He added that families who require childcare support can get the grandparents to go over to help, but they should keep to a cap of two visitors per household per day.

Parents can also send their children to their grandparents’ place, without worrying about the visitor cap, he added.

Individuals should continue to limit their total number of social gatherings to no more than two a day, whether it is to another household, or meeting friends and family members in a public place.

Q: My wedding will be held on Sunday, the first day the new rules kick in. It is too late to make last-minute arrangements. Will it still be allowed to proceed?

A: A special exception will be made for wedding receptions on Sunday to proceed. However, this is subject to the conditions that only up to 100 attendees are allowed and that all unvaccinated attendees must undergo pre-event testing.

Q: Are there any changes to the solemnisation guidelines if it is done at the Registry of Marriages building?

A: A maximum of 10 people, including the bride and groom, are allowed for solemnisations in the Registry of Marriages and Registry of Muslim Marriages buildings.

For solemnisations held in a place of residence, a maximum of 10 people are allowed, including the bride and groom. This number is not inclusive of the solemniser and other vendors.

For solemnisations in other venues, the capacity limit is 100 people, or the safe capacity of the venue, whichever is lower.

This is down from the previous cap of 250 people. If there are between 51 and 100 attendees, pre-event testing is required for all unvaccinated attendees.

Q: Will there be any limit on hair services, such as hair treatments that may take a couple of hours?

A: There is no time limit for hair services, but masks must be worn by customers and staff at all times. Customers can enter the premises only 10 minutes prior to the start of their appointment session and should refrain from mingling with other customers or staff. All safe management measures should be strictly adhered to.

View attachment 111723

Q: Can I proceed with my booked staycation if it is more than two people? Can a family of three who have booked a staycation before June 13 still be allowed to go ahead?

A: Only two guests are allowed per room, except where individuals are all from the same household. No dining in is allowed at hotel food and beverage (F&B) establishments.

Those with hotel bookings between May 16 and June 13 may change their booking dates or request a refund, subject to terms and conditions.

Those who have used their SingapoRediscovers vouchers for hotel bookings during the period can have the vouchers refunded.

Sports​

Q: Can I go out to cycle, swim or run?

A: Yes, you can swim outdoors alone or in a group of no more than two people, including yourself. The same rule applies for running and cycling.

Q: Can I exercise outdoors with my family if there are more than two of us, like take a walk in the park together?

A: Yes, you can. However you should split into pairs and maintain safe distancing between individuals (2m) and different groups (3m) while exercising.

Q: Will indoor sports halls still be open if it involves games between just two people?

A: Indoor facilities, including gyms, fitness studios, sports halls, indoor swimming pools and squash courts will continue to be closed from May 8 to June 13, unless they offer only low-intensity physical activities where the participants and instructors can be masked at all times.

There will also be no sharing or supplying of common equipment. Some examples of these activities are yoga, pilates, and tai chi.

Q: Will there still be outdoor sports programmes and classes for large groups?

A: Yes. However, the activity must be of low intensity with masks on at all times. Multiple groups of two are allowed to join in, but there is a capacity limit of 30 participants or capacity limit of the venue, whichever is lower. The groups are not to intermingle and must remain 3m apart.

If the activity is of high intensity where masks have to be removed, only two people will be allowed, including the instructor or the coach. Multiple groups of two will not be allowed.

Q: Can I still play sports like badminton, basketball and table tennis?

A: Yes, but only in a group of no more than two people (that is, two individuals playing against each other). Masks must be worn at all times when playing indoors, though they can be taken off during strenuous outdoor activities.

Schools​

Q: Will students be allowed to eat in the canteen, since dining in is not allowed?

A: Yes they can, but the schools will enforce a fixed seating plan with 1m spacing during recess time, with no intermingling.

Others​

Q: Employers must ensure that no more than 50 per cent of employees who can work from home return to the workplaces at any time - does this still hold?

A: No. Safe management measures at the workplaces will be tightened. Employers must ensure that all employees who are able to work from home do so. Previously, up to 50 per cent of employees who are able to work from home could be at the workplaces at any time.

Q: Will photo shoots/productions that involve more than two be allowed?

A: From May 16 to June 13, media content production companies may proceed with the default of up to 15 crew or talents on location, including no more than 10 onscreen talents who may unmask if necessary.

All productions should not have audiences on site and safe distancing of 1m has to be strictly adhered to at all times.

The guidelines are also applicable for photo shoots.


Q: Are home renovation works and construction projects allowed to continue from May 16 to June 13?

A: Yes, they are allowed. However, if there are people residing within the household where the works or services are carried out, there should not be more than two workers allowed per day.

Q: Can more than two people share a taxi or private-hire car if they are from different households?

A: Taxis and private-hire cars can take more than two passengers only if they are all from the same household. Passengers from different households have to keep to the two-passenger limit.

Students can eat in the canteen but at a safe distance from one another, this means no talking.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S'pore's new Covid-19 rules: Can family living together go out in groups of more than 2?​

View attachment 111722

SINGAPORE - With Singapore set to enter a new wave of restrictions from Sunday (May 16), much confusion surrounds the "rule of two".

The Straits Times answers questions on what you can and cannot do.

Going out and leisure activities​

Q: Can members of the same household go out in groups of more than two people?

A: Yes, family members living together can go out as one group to do essential activities, such as to attend school or for medical appointments.

They can also go out together as a family unit to take care of their elderly relatives, such as their grandparents, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a Facebook post on Saturday. He added that for grocery shopping, however, they should try to keep this to two family members only, to minimise the family’s exposure to the virus.

The Health Ministry (MOH) said it recognises that there may also be occasions when members of the same household may need to move around in groups larger than two, especially those with young children or elderly parents.

When members of the same household may need to move about in groups larger than two, they should bring along proof of identity such as NRICs to facilitate the checking of particulars by enforcement officers and safe distancing ambassadors, who will be patrolling public spaces.

As such, the ministry is prepared to be flexible in its implementation of the general rule for such bona fide cases. However, households are strongly urged to observe the prevailing group size limits in public settings and venues as far as possible.

Q: Can two people eat outside of home in a public place, such as at the beach, the park or even the void deck? Are picnics allowed? What about people like food delivery personnel who may not have anywhere to eat?

A: While the consumption of food and drinks at public spaces, like parks, is not prohibited, this should be done in instances when it would be inconvenient to return to the home or workplace to eat.

In such cases, members of the public or workers should avoid crowded spaces and minimise social interactions, including maintaining safe distancing at all times.

Q: Can my parents continue to come over to my place to take care of my children, and can I send my children to their place as well?

A: Yes, you can continue to do so, said Mr Ong. He added that families who require childcare support can get the grandparents to go over to help, but they should keep to a cap of two visitors per household per day.

Parents can also send their children to their grandparents’ place, without worrying about the visitor cap, he added.

Individuals should continue to limit their total number of social gatherings to no more than two a day, whether it is to another household, or meeting friends and family members in a public place.

Q: My wedding will be held on Sunday, the first day the new rules kick in. It is too late to make last-minute arrangements. Will it still be allowed to proceed?

A: A special exception will be made for wedding receptions on Sunday to proceed. However, this is subject to the conditions that only up to 100 attendees are allowed and that all unvaccinated attendees must undergo pre-event testing.

Q: Are there any changes to the solemnisation guidelines if it is done at the Registry of Marriages building?

A: A maximum of 10 people, including the bride and groom, are allowed for solemnisations in the Registry of Marriages and Registry of Muslim Marriages buildings.

For solemnisations held in a place of residence, a maximum of 10 people are allowed, including the bride and groom. This number is not inclusive of the solemniser and other vendors.

For solemnisations in other venues, the capacity limit is 100 people, or the safe capacity of the venue, whichever is lower.

This is down from the previous cap of 250 people. If there are between 51 and 100 attendees, pre-event testing is required for all unvaccinated attendees.

Q: Will there be any limit on hair services, such as hair treatments that may take a couple of hours?

A: There is no time limit for hair services, but masks must be worn by customers and staff at all times. Customers can enter the premises only 10 minutes prior to the start of their appointment session and should refrain from mingling with other customers or staff. All safe management measures should be strictly adhered to.

View attachment 111723

Q: Can I proceed with my booked staycation if it is more than two people? Can a family of three who have booked a staycation before June 13 still be allowed to go ahead?

A: Only two guests are allowed per room, except where individuals are all from the same household. No dining in is allowed at hotel food and beverage (F&B) establishments.

Those with hotel bookings between May 16 and June 13 may change their booking dates or request a refund, subject to terms and conditions.

Those who have used their SingapoRediscovers vouchers for hotel bookings during the period can have the vouchers refunded.

Sports​

Q: Can I go out to cycle, swim or run?

A: Yes, you can swim outdoors alone or in a group of no more than two people, including yourself. The same rule applies for running and cycling.

Q: Can I exercise outdoors with my family if there are more than two of us, like take a walk in the park together?

A: Yes, you can. However you should split into pairs and maintain safe distancing between individuals (2m) and different groups (3m) while exercising.

Q: Will indoor sports halls still be open if it involves games between just two people?

A: Indoor facilities, including gyms, fitness studios, sports halls, indoor swimming pools and squash courts will continue to be closed from May 8 to June 13, unless they offer only low-intensity physical activities where the participants and instructors can be masked at all times.

There will also be no sharing or supplying of common equipment. Some examples of these activities are yoga, pilates, and tai chi.

Q: Will there still be outdoor sports programmes and classes for large groups?

A: Yes. However, the activity must be of low intensity with masks on at all times. Multiple groups of two are allowed to join in, but there is a capacity limit of 30 participants or capacity limit of the venue, whichever is lower. The groups are not to intermingle and must remain 3m apart.

If the activity is of high intensity where masks have to be removed, only two people will be allowed, including the instructor or the coach. Multiple groups of two will not be allowed.

Q: Can I still play sports like badminton, basketball and table tennis?

A: Yes, but only in a group of no more than two people (that is, two individuals playing against each other). Masks must be worn at all times when playing indoors, though they can be taken off during strenuous outdoor activities.

Schools​

Q: Will students be allowed to eat in the canteen, since dining in is not allowed?

A: Yes they can, but the schools will enforce a fixed seating plan with 1m spacing during recess time, with no intermingling.

Others​

Q: Employers must ensure that no more than 50 per cent of employees who can work from home return to the workplaces at any time - does this still hold?

A: No. Safe management measures at the workplaces will be tightened. Employers must ensure that all employees who are able to work from home do so. Previously, up to 50 per cent of employees who are able to work from home could be at the workplaces at any time.

Q: Will photo shoots/productions that involve more than two be allowed?

A: From May 16 to June 13, media content production companies may proceed with the default of up to 15 crew or talents on location, including no more than 10 onscreen talents who may unmask if necessary.

All productions should not have audiences on site and safe distancing of 1m has to be strictly adhered to at all times.

The guidelines are also applicable for photo shoots.


Q: Are home renovation works and construction projects allowed to continue from May 16 to June 13?

A: Yes, they are allowed. However, if there are people residing within the household where the works or services are carried out, there should not be more than two workers allowed per day.

Q: Can more than two people share a taxi or private-hire car if they are from different households?

A: Taxis and private-hire cars can take more than two passengers only if they are all from the same household. Passengers from different households have to keep to the two-passenger limit.

Outdoor sports are allowed but only 2 participants. Badminton is recommended.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S'pore's new Covid-19 rules: Can family living together go out in groups of more than 2?​

View attachment 111722

SINGAPORE - With Singapore set to enter a new wave of restrictions from Sunday (May 16), much confusion surrounds the "rule of two".

The Straits Times answers questions on what you can and cannot do.

Going out and leisure activities​

Q: Can members of the same household go out in groups of more than two people?

A: Yes, family members living together can go out as one group to do essential activities, such as to attend school or for medical appointments.

They can also go out together as a family unit to take care of their elderly relatives, such as their grandparents, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a Facebook post on Saturday. He added that for grocery shopping, however, they should try to keep this to two family members only, to minimise the family’s exposure to the virus.

The Health Ministry (MOH) said it recognises that there may also be occasions when members of the same household may need to move around in groups larger than two, especially those with young children or elderly parents.

When members of the same household may need to move about in groups larger than two, they should bring along proof of identity such as NRICs to facilitate the checking of particulars by enforcement officers and safe distancing ambassadors, who will be patrolling public spaces.

As such, the ministry is prepared to be flexible in its implementation of the general rule for such bona fide cases. However, households are strongly urged to observe the prevailing group size limits in public settings and venues as far as possible.

Q: Can two people eat outside of home in a public place, such as at the beach, the park or even the void deck? Are picnics allowed? What about people like food delivery personnel who may not have anywhere to eat?

A: While the consumption of food and drinks at public spaces, like parks, is not prohibited, this should be done in instances when it would be inconvenient to return to the home or workplace to eat.

In such cases, members of the public or workers should avoid crowded spaces and minimise social interactions, including maintaining safe distancing at all times.

Q: Can my parents continue to come over to my place to take care of my children, and can I send my children to their place as well?

A: Yes, you can continue to do so, said Mr Ong. He added that families who require childcare support can get the grandparents to go over to help, but they should keep to a cap of two visitors per household per day.

Parents can also send their children to their grandparents’ place, without worrying about the visitor cap, he added.

Individuals should continue to limit their total number of social gatherings to no more than two a day, whether it is to another household, or meeting friends and family members in a public place.

Q: My wedding will be held on Sunday, the first day the new rules kick in. It is too late to make last-minute arrangements. Will it still be allowed to proceed?

A: A special exception will be made for wedding receptions on Sunday to proceed. However, this is subject to the conditions that only up to 100 attendees are allowed and that all unvaccinated attendees must undergo pre-event testing.

Q: Are there any changes to the solemnisation guidelines if it is done at the Registry of Marriages building?

A: A maximum of 10 people, including the bride and groom, are allowed for solemnisations in the Registry of Marriages and Registry of Muslim Marriages buildings.

For solemnisations held in a place of residence, a maximum of 10 people are allowed, including the bride and groom. This number is not inclusive of the solemniser and other vendors.

For solemnisations in other venues, the capacity limit is 100 people, or the safe capacity of the venue, whichever is lower.

This is down from the previous cap of 250 people. If there are between 51 and 100 attendees, pre-event testing is required for all unvaccinated attendees.

Q: Will there be any limit on hair services, such as hair treatments that may take a couple of hours?

A: There is no time limit for hair services, but masks must be worn by customers and staff at all times. Customers can enter the premises only 10 minutes prior to the start of their appointment session and should refrain from mingling with other customers or staff. All safe management measures should be strictly adhered to.

View attachment 111723

Q: Can I proceed with my booked staycation if it is more than two people? Can a family of three who have booked a staycation before June 13 still be allowed to go ahead?

A: Only two guests are allowed per room, except where individuals are all from the same household. No dining in is allowed at hotel food and beverage (F&B) establishments.

Those with hotel bookings between May 16 and June 13 may change their booking dates or request a refund, subject to terms and conditions.

Those who have used their SingapoRediscovers vouchers for hotel bookings during the period can have the vouchers refunded.

Sports​

Q: Can I go out to cycle, swim or run?

A: Yes, you can swim outdoors alone or in a group of no more than two people, including yourself. The same rule applies for running and cycling.

Q: Can I exercise outdoors with my family if there are more than two of us, like take a walk in the park together?

A: Yes, you can. However you should split into pairs and maintain safe distancing between individuals (2m) and different groups (3m) while exercising.

Q: Will indoor sports halls still be open if it involves games between just two people?

A: Indoor facilities, including gyms, fitness studios, sports halls, indoor swimming pools and squash courts will continue to be closed from May 8 to June 13, unless they offer only low-intensity physical activities where the participants and instructors can be masked at all times.

There will also be no sharing or supplying of common equipment. Some examples of these activities are yoga, pilates, and tai chi.

Q: Will there still be outdoor sports programmes and classes for large groups?

A: Yes. However, the activity must be of low intensity with masks on at all times. Multiple groups of two are allowed to join in, but there is a capacity limit of 30 participants or capacity limit of the venue, whichever is lower. The groups are not to intermingle and must remain 3m apart.

If the activity is of high intensity where masks have to be removed, only two people will be allowed, including the instructor or the coach. Multiple groups of two will not be allowed.

Q: Can I still play sports like badminton, basketball and table tennis?

A: Yes, but only in a group of no more than two people (that is, two individuals playing against each other). Masks must be worn at all times when playing indoors, though they can be taken off during strenuous outdoor activities.

Schools​

Q: Will students be allowed to eat in the canteen, since dining in is not allowed?

A: Yes they can, but the schools will enforce a fixed seating plan with 1m spacing during recess time, with no intermingling.

Others​

Q: Employers must ensure that no more than 50 per cent of employees who can work from home return to the workplaces at any time - does this still hold?

A: No. Safe management measures at the workplaces will be tightened. Employers must ensure that all employees who are able to work from home do so. Previously, up to 50 per cent of employees who are able to work from home could be at the workplaces at any time.

Q: Will photo shoots/productions that involve more than two be allowed?

A: From May 16 to June 13, media content production companies may proceed with the default of up to 15 crew or talents on location, including no more than 10 onscreen talents who may unmask if necessary.

All productions should not have audiences on site and safe distancing of 1m has to be strictly adhered to at all times.

The guidelines are also applicable for photo shoots.


Q: Are home renovation works and construction projects allowed to continue from May 16 to June 13?

A: Yes, they are allowed. However, if there are people residing within the household where the works or services are carried out, there should not be more than two workers allowed per day.

Q: Can more than two people share a taxi or private-hire car if they are from different households?

A: Taxis and private-hire cars can take more than two passengers only if they are all from the same household. Passengers from different households have to keep to the two-passenger limit.

Only 2 guests allowed in 1 hotel room.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

COVID: 11 companies fined for not ensuring employees work from home – MOM​

SINGAPORE — Eleven companies were fined for failing to ensure work-from-home (WFH) as a default arrangement for employees who are able to do so, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Monday (24 May).

MOM said it inspected over 530 workplaces for breaches of Safe Management Measures (SMMs) from 8 to 21 May.

Under the latest advisory for SMMsat the workplace issued on 14 May, employers have to implement WFH as the default arrangement.

Singapore is under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from 16 May to 13 June with various SMMs in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All employees whose roles can be performed from home must do so. Employers must provide the necessary facilities and direct their employees to work from home wherever possible,” MOM said.

Only employees who are unable to work from home due to the nature of their work can work on site.

All employers who carry out operations on site must declare their on-site manpower details at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg. They must declare this information by 28 May and update the information whenever there are significant changes.

“Enforcement actions will still be taken against the employer, if workers who are able to WFH are found to be working onsite, even if the total number of workers onsite are at or below the declared number of workers,” MOM said.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

COVID: 11 companies fined for not ensuring employees work from home – MOM​

SINGAPORE — Eleven companies were fined for failing to ensure work-from-home (WFH) as a default arrangement for employees who are able to do so, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Monday (24 May).

MOM said it inspected over 530 workplaces for breaches of Safe Management Measures (SMMs) from 8 to 21 May.

Under the latest advisory for SMMsat the workplace issued on 14 May, employers have to implement WFH as the default arrangement.

Singapore is under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from 16 May to 13 June with various SMMs in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All employees whose roles can be performed from home must do so. Employers must provide the necessary facilities and direct their employees to work from home wherever possible,” MOM said.

Only employees who are unable to work from home due to the nature of their work can work on site.

All employers who carry out operations on site must declare their on-site manpower details at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg. They must declare this information by 28 May and update the information whenever there are significant changes.

“Enforcement actions will still be taken against the employer, if workers who are able to WFH are found to be working onsite, even if the total number of workers onsite are at or below the declared number of workers,” MOM said.

MOM is now very strict on companies which do not allow default WFH.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

S'pore's new Covid-19 rules: Can family living together go out in groups of more than 2?​

View attachment 111722

SINGAPORE - With Singapore set to enter a new wave of restrictions from Sunday (May 16), much confusion surrounds the "rule of two".

The Straits Times answers questions on what you can and cannot do.

Going out and leisure activities​

Q: Can members of the same household go out in groups of more than two people?

A: Yes, family members living together can go out as one group to do essential activities, such as to attend school or for medical appointments.

They can also go out together as a family unit to take care of their elderly relatives, such as their grandparents, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a Facebook post on Saturday. He added that for grocery shopping, however, they should try to keep this to two family members only, to minimise the family’s exposure to the virus.

The Health Ministry (MOH) said it recognises that there may also be occasions when members of the same household may need to move around in groups larger than two, especially those with young children or elderly parents.

When members of the same household may need to move about in groups larger than two, they should bring along proof of identity such as NRICs to facilitate the checking of particulars by enforcement officers and safe distancing ambassadors, who will be patrolling public spaces.

As such, the ministry is prepared to be flexible in its implementation of the general rule for such bona fide cases. However, households are strongly urged to observe the prevailing group size limits in public settings and venues as far as possible.

Q: Can two people eat outside of home in a public place, such as at the beach, the park or even the void deck? Are picnics allowed? What about people like food delivery personnel who may not have anywhere to eat?

A: While the consumption of food and drinks at public spaces, like parks, is not prohibited, this should be done in instances when it would be inconvenient to return to the home or workplace to eat.

In such cases, members of the public or workers should avoid crowded spaces and minimise social interactions, including maintaining safe distancing at all times.

Q: Can my parents continue to come over to my place to take care of my children, and can I send my children to their place as well?

A: Yes, you can continue to do so, said Mr Ong. He added that families who require childcare support can get the grandparents to go over to help, but they should keep to a cap of two visitors per household per day.

Parents can also send their children to their grandparents’ place, without worrying about the visitor cap, he added.

Individuals should continue to limit their total number of social gatherings to no more than two a day, whether it is to another household, or meeting friends and family members in a public place.

Q: My wedding will be held on Sunday, the first day the new rules kick in. It is too late to make last-minute arrangements. Will it still be allowed to proceed?

A: A special exception will be made for wedding receptions on Sunday to proceed. However, this is subject to the conditions that only up to 100 attendees are allowed and that all unvaccinated attendees must undergo pre-event testing.

Q: Are there any changes to the solemnisation guidelines if it is done at the Registry of Marriages building?

A: A maximum of 10 people, including the bride and groom, are allowed for solemnisations in the Registry of Marriages and Registry of Muslim Marriages buildings.

For solemnisations held in a place of residence, a maximum of 10 people are allowed, including the bride and groom. This number is not inclusive of the solemniser and other vendors.

For solemnisations in other venues, the capacity limit is 100 people, or the safe capacity of the venue, whichever is lower.

This is down from the previous cap of 250 people. If there are between 51 and 100 attendees, pre-event testing is required for all unvaccinated attendees.

Q: Will there be any limit on hair services, such as hair treatments that may take a couple of hours?

A: There is no time limit for hair services, but masks must be worn by customers and staff at all times. Customers can enter the premises only 10 minutes prior to the start of their appointment session and should refrain from mingling with other customers or staff. All safe management measures should be strictly adhered to.

View attachment 111723

Q: Can I proceed with my booked staycation if it is more than two people? Can a family of three who have booked a staycation before June 13 still be allowed to go ahead?

A: Only two guests are allowed per room, except where individuals are all from the same household. No dining in is allowed at hotel food and beverage (F&B) establishments.

Those with hotel bookings between May 16 and June 13 may change their booking dates or request a refund, subject to terms and conditions.

Those who have used their SingapoRediscovers vouchers for hotel bookings during the period can have the vouchers refunded.

Sports​

Q: Can I go out to cycle, swim or run?

A: Yes, you can swim outdoors alone or in a group of no more than two people, including yourself. The same rule applies for running and cycling.

Q: Can I exercise outdoors with my family if there are more than two of us, like take a walk in the park together?

A: Yes, you can. However you should split into pairs and maintain safe distancing between individuals (2m) and different groups (3m) while exercising.

Q: Will indoor sports halls still be open if it involves games between just two people?

A: Indoor facilities, including gyms, fitness studios, sports halls, indoor swimming pools and squash courts will continue to be closed from May 8 to June 13, unless they offer only low-intensity physical activities where the participants and instructors can be masked at all times.

There will also be no sharing or supplying of common equipment. Some examples of these activities are yoga, pilates, and tai chi.

Q: Will there still be outdoor sports programmes and classes for large groups?

A: Yes. However, the activity must be of low intensity with masks on at all times. Multiple groups of two are allowed to join in, but there is a capacity limit of 30 participants or capacity limit of the venue, whichever is lower. The groups are not to intermingle and must remain 3m apart.

If the activity is of high intensity where masks have to be removed, only two people will be allowed, including the instructor or the coach. Multiple groups of two will not be allowed.

Q: Can I still play sports like badminton, basketball and table tennis?

A: Yes, but only in a group of no more than two people (that is, two individuals playing against each other). Masks must be worn at all times when playing indoors, though they can be taken off during strenuous outdoor activities.

Schools​

Q: Will students be allowed to eat in the canteen, since dining in is not allowed?

A: Yes they can, but the schools will enforce a fixed seating plan with 1m spacing during recess time, with no intermingling.

Others​

Q: Employers must ensure that no more than 50 per cent of employees who can work from home return to the workplaces at any time - does this still hold?

A: No. Safe management measures at the workplaces will be tightened. Employers must ensure that all employees who are able to work from home do so. Previously, up to 50 per cent of employees who are able to work from home could be at the workplaces at any time.

Q: Will photo shoots/productions that involve more than two be allowed?

A: From May 16 to June 13, media content production companies may proceed with the default of up to 15 crew or talents on location, including no more than 10 onscreen talents who may unmask if necessary.

All productions should not have audiences on site and safe distancing of 1m has to be strictly adhered to at all times.

The guidelines are also applicable for photo shoots.


Q: Are home renovation works and construction projects allowed to continue from May 16 to June 13?

A: Yes, they are allowed. However, if there are people residing within the household where the works or services are carried out, there should not be more than two workers allowed per day.

Q: Can more than two people share a taxi or private-hire car if they are from different households?

A: Taxis and private-hire cars can take more than two passengers only if they are all from the same household. Passengers from different households have to keep to the two-passenger limit.

Weddings can still take place but with less people.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Gerald Giam: Risk of transmission from Hougang cases greatly reduced​

Singapore— Mandatory Covid-19 testing was carried out at Block 506 in Hougang on Friday and Saturday (May 21 and 22) and two additional cases have been detected.

The total number of infected persons in Hougang is now 11, as nine individuals had already tested positive earlier, which prompted the mandatory testing.


Workers’ Party Member of Parliament Gerald Giam provided an update on the swab testing on his Facebook page on Sunday (May 23).

According to Mr Giam, the Ministry of Health said that the cases that have been detected are largely among people who are already under quarantine.

He wrote that since they have not been allowed to leave their homes, “the risk of transmission among residents of the block is greatly reduced, although it cannot be ruled out completely.”​

Mr Giam added that MOH is still determining the source of the infections and whether or not the cases are linked.

Cleaning and disinfection at the area have also been carried out, especially after the swab testing was done at the void deck.

The WP MP wrote, “I urge all residents — not just those staying at Blk 506 — to stay at home as much as possible during this Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) period. This will minimise the spread of viruses and help keep our families and neighbours safe.”

He also asked residents to visit a nearby PHPC clinic if they experience any Covid-19 symptoms such as fever, dry cough, tiredness or loss of taste, writing that there are clinics that also test children for Covid-19.

Mr Giam also addressed the issue of residents who have not been able to receive deliveries over the weekend, such as cooking gas cylinders. He reassured them that the relevant company has been contacted and that instruction has been given by their management to resume deliveries so that residents may resume cooking their meals.

On Sunday, MOH also issued updates on swab tests conducted at Hougang, telling CNA that of the 407 swab tests conducted at the block, “405 tests were conclusive and two test results rejected. The two individuals who received the rejected test results were reswabbed and found negative for COVID-19.”

In an earlier announcement on its website, MOH said that the Covid cases in Hougang “are largely Persons Under Quarantine who turned positive for Covid-19. This means that they have been isolated early and ring-fenced, and not likely to be moving around while being infectious. Nevertheless, MOH took all the necessary public health measures to prevent any further spread to the community.”

The individuals confirmed positive are from four different households along the same stack, and “our initial assessment is that airborne transmission along the stack is highly unlikely,” MOH added.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

How To Register Your Child For The COVID-19 Vaccine In Singapore​

The Covid-19 vaccinations are underway and while it initially began for senior citizens on the island, the government is slowly and steadily adding more doses for other age groups as well. However, the vaccines were originally developed only for people above the age of 16 years, leaving children vulnerable.

Nevertheless, Singapore approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for children between ages 12 and 15 years earlier this month. The announcement comes as a ray of hope as the new strain of the virus is attacking children in Phase 2.

Having begun vaccinations for citizens above the age of 45 years since March 2021, authorities are now open to people of ages 40 to 44 years old to register for covid vaccine.


The vaccination programme will progressively roll out to all Singaporeans and long term residents in Singapore. And you can soon expect the first dose to be available for kids as well.

That’s why you need to register your child for a slot for whenever the vaccine becomes available.

There are two ways of registering for the Covid-19 vaccine. You could either visit selected community centres or clubs near you and make the booking in person. Or you can visit the Ministry of Health’s vaccination registration page and be a part of the programme.

If you are planning to do the latter, here’s how you can register your kid for the vaccine. Do remember, all vaccinations will be free for citizens and long-term residents in Singapore.

How To Register For Covid Vaccine For Kids?​

© Provided by The Asian Parent register for covid vaccine
Image Source: www.preregister.vaccine.gov.sg

1. Visit the MOH Covid-19 Vaccination Registration page that gives you a detailed guide on how the process works.
2. Click on the ‘Register Now’ button
3. Fill the pre-registration online form with your details including mobile number, name, NRIC, date of birth, and preferred language
4. Submit the form

If you are eligible for the vaccine, you will receive an SMS from the authorities with a unique booking link to make an appointment.

You need to schedule an appointment within 30 days of receiving the SMS. In case you miss this window, you will have re-register your interest in the vaccine with the link given in the SMS.

Vaccination For Kids Authorised Under Pandemic Special Access​

As stated above, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) authorised the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children between 12-15 years under the Pandemic Special Access Route for emergency therapeutic products.

Previously, only those above 16 years of age were allowed to receive the shot. Meanwhile, the Moderna-sourced vaccine is given the individuals over the age of 18 years.

Before authorising the Pfizer vaccine for kids, the HSA’s expert committee assessed the safety, efficacy and tolerability of the vaccine.

In a press release, the ministry said, “The data showed that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high efficacy consistent with that observed in the adult population. Its safety profile is also consistent with the known safety profile in the adult population. And the standards set for other registered vaccines used in the immunisation against other diseases.”

Vaccinations For Other Age Groups​

© Provided by The Asian Parent register for covid vaccine
Image Source: Pexels
The vaccination programme will continue to be rolled out in five-year age bands, progressively moving to younger age groups.

In a statement, the government said, “Our supply of vaccines has been steadily coming in, but remains limited given high global demand.” The health ministry says it should complete the vaccination programme by the end of the year, as long as the vaccines supply remains uninterrupted.

Longer Interval Between The First And Second Dose​

The government has also extended the interval between the first and second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in Singapore. The interval now stands six to eight weeks apart instead of three to four weeks apart after the first inoculation. The move will help more citizens get the first jab of the vaccine amidst the shortfall of doses.

The Covid-19 committee said the maximum interval between mRNA Covid-19 vaccines could extend to up to eight weeks to maximise vaccine coverage.

This would be applicable “without materially impacting the eventual overall immune response, as long as the second dose is eventually administered.”

A recent study also showed antibodies maturing by up to 300 per cent after the first dose when given sufficient time. Not just Singapore, but the UK and India have also taken the same approach by extending their dosage intervals.

Total Vaccinations in Singapore​

© Provided by The Asian Parent second dose of vaccine
Image source: iStock
On average, Singapore is vaccinating bout 40,000 people every day. Over 3.4 million doses of the vaccine have been administered on the island.

At least 1.4 million people have received their second dose. So don’t forget to register for Covid vaccine and get the dose at the earliest.

The earlier we can vaccinate the country, the faster we’ll back to our normal lives.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

How To Register Your Child For The COVID-19 Vaccine In Singapore​

The Covid-19 vaccinations are underway and while it initially began for senior citizens on the island, the government is slowly and steadily adding more doses for other age groups as well. However, the vaccines were originally developed only for people above the age of 16 years, leaving children vulnerable.

Nevertheless, Singapore approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for children between ages 12 and 15 years earlier this month. The announcement comes as a ray of hope as the new strain of the virus is attacking children in Phase 2.

Having begun vaccinations for citizens above the age of 45 years since March 2021, authorities are now open to people of ages 40 to 44 years old to register for covid vaccine.


The vaccination programme will progressively roll out to all Singaporeans and long term residents in Singapore. And you can soon expect the first dose to be available for kids as well.

That’s why you need to register your child for a slot for whenever the vaccine becomes available.

There are two ways of registering for the Covid-19 vaccine. You could either visit selected community centres or clubs near you and make the booking in person. Or you can visit the Ministry of Health’s vaccination registration page and be a part of the programme.

If you are planning to do the latter, here’s how you can register your kid for the vaccine. Do remember, all vaccinations will be free for citizens and long-term residents in Singapore.

How To Register For Covid Vaccine For Kids?​

© Provided by The Asian Parent register for covid vaccine
Image Source: www.preregister.vaccine.gov.sg

1. Visit the MOH Covid-19 Vaccination Registration page that gives you a detailed guide on how the process works.
2. Click on the ‘Register Now’ button
3. Fill the pre-registration online form with your details including mobile number, name, NRIC, date of birth, and preferred language
4. Submit the form

If you are eligible for the vaccine, you will receive an SMS from the authorities with a unique booking link to make an appointment.

You need to schedule an appointment within 30 days of receiving the SMS. In case you miss this window, you will have re-register your interest in the vaccine with the link given in the SMS.

Vaccination For Kids Authorised Under Pandemic Special Access​

As stated above, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) authorised the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children between 12-15 years under the Pandemic Special Access Route for emergency therapeutic products.

Previously, only those above 16 years of age were allowed to receive the shot. Meanwhile, the Moderna-sourced vaccine is given the individuals over the age of 18 years.

Before authorising the Pfizer vaccine for kids, the HSA’s expert committee assessed the safety, efficacy and tolerability of the vaccine.

In a press release, the ministry said, “The data showed that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high efficacy consistent with that observed in the adult population. Its safety profile is also consistent with the known safety profile in the adult population. And the standards set for other registered vaccines used in the immunisation against other diseases.”

Vaccinations For Other Age Groups​

© Provided by The Asian Parent register for covid vaccine
Image Source: Pexels
The vaccination programme will continue to be rolled out in five-year age bands, progressively moving to younger age groups.

In a statement, the government said, “Our supply of vaccines has been steadily coming in, but remains limited given high global demand.” The health ministry says it should complete the vaccination programme by the end of the year, as long as the vaccines supply remains uninterrupted.

Longer Interval Between The First And Second Dose​

The government has also extended the interval between the first and second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in Singapore. The interval now stands six to eight weeks apart instead of three to four weeks apart after the first inoculation. The move will help more citizens get the first jab of the vaccine amidst the shortfall of doses.

The Covid-19 committee said the maximum interval between mRNA Covid-19 vaccines could extend to up to eight weeks to maximise vaccine coverage.

This would be applicable “without materially impacting the eventual overall immune response, as long as the second dose is eventually administered.”

A recent study also showed antibodies maturing by up to 300 per cent after the first dose when given sufficient time. Not just Singapore, but the UK and India have also taken the same approach by extending their dosage intervals.

Total Vaccinations in Singapore​

© Provided by The Asian Parent second dose of vaccine
Image source: iStock
On average, Singapore is vaccinating bout 40,000 people every day. Over 3.4 million doses of the vaccine have been administered on the island.

At least 1.4 million people have received their second dose. So don’t forget to register for Covid vaccine and get the dose at the earliest.

The earlier we can vaccinate the country, the faster we’ll back to our normal lives.

Useful information for gongcheebyes like Judy Sim.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

How To Register Your Child For The COVID-19 Vaccine In Singapore​

The Covid-19 vaccinations are underway and while it initially began for senior citizens on the island, the government is slowly and steadily adding more doses for other age groups as well. However, the vaccines were originally developed only for people above the age of 16 years, leaving children vulnerable.

Nevertheless, Singapore approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for children between ages 12 and 15 years earlier this month. The announcement comes as a ray of hope as the new strain of the virus is attacking children in Phase 2.

Having begun vaccinations for citizens above the age of 45 years since March 2021, authorities are now open to people of ages 40 to 44 years old to register for covid vaccine.


The vaccination programme will progressively roll out to all Singaporeans and long term residents in Singapore. And you can soon expect the first dose to be available for kids as well.

That’s why you need to register your child for a slot for whenever the vaccine becomes available.

There are two ways of registering for the Covid-19 vaccine. You could either visit selected community centres or clubs near you and make the booking in person. Or you can visit the Ministry of Health’s vaccination registration page and be a part of the programme.

If you are planning to do the latter, here’s how you can register your kid for the vaccine. Do remember, all vaccinations will be free for citizens and long-term residents in Singapore.

How To Register For Covid Vaccine For Kids?​

© Provided by The Asian Parent register for covid vaccine
Image Source: www.preregister.vaccine.gov.sg

1. Visit the MOH Covid-19 Vaccination Registration page that gives you a detailed guide on how the process works.
2. Click on the ‘Register Now’ button
3. Fill the pre-registration online form with your details including mobile number, name, NRIC, date of birth, and preferred language
4. Submit the form

If you are eligible for the vaccine, you will receive an SMS from the authorities with a unique booking link to make an appointment.

You need to schedule an appointment within 30 days of receiving the SMS. In case you miss this window, you will have re-register your interest in the vaccine with the link given in the SMS.

Vaccination For Kids Authorised Under Pandemic Special Access​

As stated above, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) authorised the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children between 12-15 years under the Pandemic Special Access Route for emergency therapeutic products.

Previously, only those above 16 years of age were allowed to receive the shot. Meanwhile, the Moderna-sourced vaccine is given the individuals over the age of 18 years.

Before authorising the Pfizer vaccine for kids, the HSA’s expert committee assessed the safety, efficacy and tolerability of the vaccine.

In a press release, the ministry said, “The data showed that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high efficacy consistent with that observed in the adult population. Its safety profile is also consistent with the known safety profile in the adult population. And the standards set for other registered vaccines used in the immunisation against other diseases.”

Vaccinations For Other Age Groups​

© Provided by The Asian Parent register for covid vaccine
Image Source: Pexels
The vaccination programme will continue to be rolled out in five-year age bands, progressively moving to younger age groups.

In a statement, the government said, “Our supply of vaccines has been steadily coming in, but remains limited given high global demand.” The health ministry says it should complete the vaccination programme by the end of the year, as long as the vaccines supply remains uninterrupted.

Longer Interval Between The First And Second Dose​

The government has also extended the interval between the first and second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in Singapore. The interval now stands six to eight weeks apart instead of three to four weeks apart after the first inoculation. The move will help more citizens get the first jab of the vaccine amidst the shortfall of doses.

The Covid-19 committee said the maximum interval between mRNA Covid-19 vaccines could extend to up to eight weeks to maximise vaccine coverage.

This would be applicable “without materially impacting the eventual overall immune response, as long as the second dose is eventually administered.”

A recent study also showed antibodies maturing by up to 300 per cent after the first dose when given sufficient time. Not just Singapore, but the UK and India have also taken the same approach by extending their dosage intervals.

Total Vaccinations in Singapore​

© Provided by The Asian Parent second dose of vaccine
Image source: iStock
On average, Singapore is vaccinating bout 40,000 people every day. Over 3.4 million doses of the vaccine have been administered on the island.

At least 1.4 million people have received their second dose. So don’t forget to register for Covid vaccine and get the dose at the earliest.

The earlier we can vaccinate the country, the faster we’ll back to our normal lives.

Moderna are also claiming that their vaccine is suitable for teenagers.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Singaporean scientists have developed a new 'breathalyzer' test for COVID that can detect the virus within one minute​

• Scientists in Singapore have developed a breathalyzer-style test for COVID-19.
• During clinical trials, the device was able to accurately detect COVID-19 within one minute.
• The researchers are deploying the system in further trials at Singapore's Tuas land checkpoint.

Researchers have developed a potentially game-changing breathalyzer-style test for COVID, which can detect the virus within one minute.


The testing system was developed by a team of Singaporean researchers and involves a person breathing normally into a disposable, one-way mouthpiece - similar to how one would be tested for drunk driving.

This mouthpiece is connected to a breath sampler that is linked to a mass spectrometer, a device that can observe invisible compounds in a person's exhaled breath. The machine then analyzes the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - particles produced by biochemical reactions in human cells - in the breath sample to plot a "breath signature."

According to the researchers at Breathonix, the start-up behind the device, a healthy person's breath will register a different VOC signature from that of a person with COVID. These signatures will help testers differentiate quickly between healthy people and those with the virus. The software will compare the fresh sample with what a COVID-positive "breath signature" looks like.

The device is called the BreFence Go COVID-19 Breath Test System, and it's able to yield results within 60 seconds. For positive cases, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab test will then be carried out to confirm the results.

During the clinical trials, the system was tested on over 3,000 people, with an accuracy rate of over 90%.

Singapore's Health Sciences Authority is now working with Breathonix to deploy this device alongside the antigen rapid test at the country's Tuas land checkpoint which connects Singapore to Malaysia.

Cheaper, faster testing​

Video player from: YouTube (Privacy Policy, Terms)
The widespread use of this breathalyzer-style device could make waves on the COVID-19 testing landscape. Currently, swab tests like the PCR test and the antigen rapid test (ART) are the clinically recognized means for COVID testing, with PCR tests being the gold standard.

However, these tests are often uncomfortable and invasive, as they involve swabs being inserted into the nose and throat to obtain samples. The time taken to get COVID test results also varies between 20 to 30 minutes (for the ART) and several hours (for the PCR test).

Breathonix was founded by three National University of Singapore graduates, Jia Zhunan, Du Fang, and Wayne Wee Shi Jie, along with Jia's Ph.D. advisor at the university, professor T. Venky Venkatesan.

The researchers told Insider that each test would cost between SG$5 to SG$20 (between $3.70 and $15), a significant price reduction in comparison to the PCR and antigen tests, which cost between S$30 (around $22) and S$50 (around $37).

Du, co-founder and chief operating officer of Breathonix, told Insider that a plus point of their testing system is that it does not require medically trained personnel to administer it - unlike the PCR and antigen tests, where healthcare workers are needed to swab people.

Fast COVID tests could be vital to help countries open their borders​

© Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images People stand in line at a clinic in Long Beach, California offering quick coronavirus testing for a fee, on Monday, June 29, 2020. Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images

Most countries require a negative COVID test for entry, so a wider commercial application of this quick breathalyzer test for COVID could help to open up the worldwide business and leisure travel sector in the months to come.

The group has connected with the government about possibly deploying the test at Changi Airport later this year.

Du added that for low-risk countries, breath tests might one day be sufficient for travelers to enter Singapore.

"The test will save travelers the trouble of doing an expensive PCR test. In the long run, this test could help to open our borders, but that will be up to the government's assessment of the situation, and the risk-mitigation measures they implement," he said.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Singaporean scientists have developed a new 'breathalyzer' test for COVID that can detect the virus within one minute​

View attachment 111962

• Scientists in Singapore have developed a breathalyzer-style test for COVID-19.
• During clinical trials, the device was able to accurately detect COVID-19 within one minute.
• The researchers are deploying the system in further trials at Singapore's Tuas land checkpoint.

Researchers have developed a potentially game-changing breathalyzer-style test for COVID, which can detect the virus within one minute.


The testing system was developed by a team of Singaporean researchers and involves a person breathing normally into a disposable, one-way mouthpiece - similar to how one would be tested for drunk driving.

This mouthpiece is connected to a breath sampler that is linked to a mass spectrometer, a device that can observe invisible compounds in a person's exhaled breath. The machine then analyzes the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - particles produced by biochemical reactions in human cells - in the breath sample to plot a "breath signature."

According to the researchers at Breathonix, the start-up behind the device, a healthy person's breath will register a different VOC signature from that of a person with COVID. These signatures will help testers differentiate quickly between healthy people and those with the virus. The software will compare the fresh sample with what a COVID-positive "breath signature" looks like.

The device is called the BreFence Go COVID-19 Breath Test System, and it's able to yield results within 60 seconds. For positive cases, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab test will then be carried out to confirm the results.

During the clinical trials, the system was tested on over 3,000 people, with an accuracy rate of over 90%.

Singapore's Health Sciences Authority is now working with Breathonix to deploy this device alongside the antigen rapid test at the country's Tuas land checkpoint which connects Singapore to Malaysia.

Cheaper, faster testing​

Video player from: YouTube (Privacy Policy, Terms)
The widespread use of this breathalyzer-style device could make waves on the COVID-19 testing landscape. Currently, swab tests like the PCR test and the antigen rapid test (ART) are the clinically recognized means for COVID testing, with PCR tests being the gold standard.

However, these tests are often uncomfortable and invasive, as they involve swabs being inserted into the nose and throat to obtain samples. The time taken to get COVID test results also varies between 20 to 30 minutes (for the ART) and several hours (for the PCR test).

Breathonix was founded by three National University of Singapore graduates, Jia Zhunan, Du Fang, and Wayne Wee Shi Jie, along with Jia's Ph.D. advisor at the university, professor T. Venky Venkatesan.

The researchers told Insider that each test would cost between SG$5 to SG$20 (between $3.70 and $15), a significant price reduction in comparison to the PCR and antigen tests, which cost between S$30 (around $22) and S$50 (around $37).

Du, co-founder and chief operating officer of Breathonix, told Insider that a plus point of their testing system is that it does not require medically trained personnel to administer it - unlike the PCR and antigen tests, where healthcare workers are needed to swab people.

Fast COVID tests could be vital to help countries open their borders​

© Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images People stand in line at a clinic in Long Beach, California offering quick coronavirus testing for a fee, on Monday, June 29, 2020. Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images

Most countries require a negative COVID test for entry, so a wider commercial application of this quick breathalyzer test for COVID could help to open up the worldwide business and leisure travel sector in the months to come.

The group has connected with the government about possibly deploying the test at Changi Airport later this year.

Du added that for low-risk countries, breath tests might one day be sufficient for travelers to enter Singapore.

"The test will save travelers the trouble of doing an expensive PCR test. In the long run, this test could help to open our borders, but that will be up to the government's assessment of the situation, and the risk-mitigation measures they implement," he said.

This machine should cost at least S$500K.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Cleaner may be source of infection for JEM/Westgate COVID cluster: MOH​

SINGAPORE — A cleaner may be the source of infection of the JEM/Westgate COVID-19 cluster, the Ministry of Health said on Monday (24 May).

he cleaner is a 53-year-old Singaporean woman who works as a cleaner at Park Avenue Rochester, a Stay-Home-Notice dedicated facility. She was confirmed to have COVID-19 infection on 7 May.


The woman, who is Case 62933, had been at Westgate on 6 May, MOH said in its daily COVID-19 report. "Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory have revealed that some of the visitors to JEM and Westgate have similar sequences to that of Case 62933. Further investigations into the mode of transmission are ongoing," MOH said.

On Sunday, MOH said JEM and Westgate will be closed to the public for two weeks from Sunday to break any potential chain of transmission of COVID-19. The malls will be deep cleaned and are due to re-open on 6 June.

MOH has conducted special testing operations for staff who work at both premises. It has offered free COVID-19 testing for members of the public who had visited JEM and Westgate from 10 May to 14 May.

In view of the additional cases detected, free COVID-19 testing will be extended to all individuals who had visited JEM and Westgate from 10 May to 22 May. All visitors to the two malls since 10 May are also advised to monitor their health closely for 14 days from their date of visit.

They are encouraged to visit a Regional Screening Centre or “Swab and Send Home” (SASH) Public Health Preparedness Clinic for a free COVID-19 test if they feel unwell.

On Monday, MOH confirmed 36 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, taking the country's total case count to 61,860.

Of them, 24 are local transmissions in the community, of whom 22 are linked to previous cases. Among them, 12 had already been quarantined earlier.

Twelve remaining cases are imported, including five Singaporeans or permanent residents.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Cleaner may be source of infection for JEM/Westgate COVID cluster: MOH​

SINGAPORE — A cleaner may be the source of infection of the JEM/Westgate COVID-19 cluster, the Ministry of Health said on Monday (24 May).

he cleaner is a 53-year-old Singaporean woman who works as a cleaner at Park Avenue Rochester, a Stay-Home-Notice dedicated facility. She was confirmed to have COVID-19 infection on 7 May.


The woman, who is Case 62933, had been at Westgate on 6 May, MOH said in its daily COVID-19 report. "Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory have revealed that some of the visitors to JEM and Westgate have similar sequences to that of Case 62933. Further investigations into the mode of transmission are ongoing," MOH said.

On Sunday, MOH said JEM and Westgate will be closed to the public for two weeks from Sunday to break any potential chain of transmission of COVID-19. The malls will be deep cleaned and are due to re-open on 6 June.

MOH has conducted special testing operations for staff who work at both premises. It has offered free COVID-19 testing for members of the public who had visited JEM and Westgate from 10 May to 14 May.

In view of the additional cases detected, free COVID-19 testing will be extended to all individuals who had visited JEM and Westgate from 10 May to 22 May. All visitors to the two malls since 10 May are also advised to monitor their health closely for 14 days from their date of visit.

They are encouraged to visit a Regional Screening Centre or “Swab and Send Home” (SASH) Public Health Preparedness Clinic for a free COVID-19 test if they feel unwell.

On Monday, MOH confirmed 36 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, taking the country's total case count to 61,860.

Of them, 24 are local transmissions in the community, of whom 22 are linked to previous cases. Among them, 12 had already been quarantined earlier.

Twelve remaining cases are imported, including five Singaporeans or permanent residents.

I wonder what is MOH basis for claiming the cleaner is the source.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Cleaner may be source of infection for JEM/Westgate COVID cluster: MOH​

SINGAPORE — A cleaner may be the source of infection of the JEM/Westgate COVID-19 cluster, the Ministry of Health said on Monday (24 May).

he cleaner is a 53-year-old Singaporean woman who works as a cleaner at Park Avenue Rochester, a Stay-Home-Notice dedicated facility. She was confirmed to have COVID-19 infection on 7 May.


The woman, who is Case 62933, had been at Westgate on 6 May, MOH said in its daily COVID-19 report. "Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory have revealed that some of the visitors to JEM and Westgate have similar sequences to that of Case 62933. Further investigations into the mode of transmission are ongoing," MOH said.

On Sunday, MOH said JEM and Westgate will be closed to the public for two weeks from Sunday to break any potential chain of transmission of COVID-19. The malls will be deep cleaned and are due to re-open on 6 June.

MOH has conducted special testing operations for staff who work at both premises. It has offered free COVID-19 testing for members of the public who had visited JEM and Westgate from 10 May to 14 May.

In view of the additional cases detected, free COVID-19 testing will be extended to all individuals who had visited JEM and Westgate from 10 May to 22 May. All visitors to the two malls since 10 May are also advised to monitor their health closely for 14 days from their date of visit.

They are encouraged to visit a Regional Screening Centre or “Swab and Send Home” (SASH) Public Health Preparedness Clinic for a free COVID-19 test if they feel unwell.

On Monday, MOH confirmed 36 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, taking the country's total case count to 61,860.

Of them, 24 are local transmissions in the community, of whom 22 are linked to previous cases. Among them, 12 had already been quarantined earlier.

Twelve remaining cases are imported, including five Singaporeans or permanent residents.

In any cases, it is good that JEM and Westgate are being closed for 2 weeks for cleaning and testing.

 

[jw5]

from MOH report 26 May 2021:

JEM/ Westgate cluster

Already quarantined:

Cases 63728 and 63729 are students at Concord Primary School and had last gone to school on 17 May. Case 63728 is an 11 year-old male Singaporean and Case 63729 is a 6 year-old female Singaporean. They are family members of Case 63357[3], and were placed on quarantine on 21 May. Case 63728 developed a cough on 22 May but did not report his symptoms, and Case 63729 developed flu-like symptoms on 24 May. They were tested for COVID-19 on 24 May during quarantine, and their test results came back positive for COVID-19 infection on 25 May. Their serology test results are pending.

Case 63734 is a 29 year-old male Singaporean who works as a technician at Singapore Refining Company Pte Ltd. He is a family member and household contact of Cases 63469[4] and 63470[5], and was placed on quarantine on 17 May. He developed a fever, sore throat and cough on 23 May but did not report his symptoms until 25 May, and was tested for COVID-19 on the same day. His test result came back positive for COVID-19 infection on 25 May. His serology test result is pending.

Case 63735 is an 18 year-old male Singaporean who is a student at ITE College West and was last in school on 14 May. He is a family member and household contact of Cases 63675[6] and 63678[7] , and was placed on quarantine on 23 May. He developed a sore throat on the same day, and a fever on 24 May. He reported his symptoms, and was tested for COVID-19 on 25 May during quarantine. His test result came back positive for COVID-19 infection on the same day. His serology test result is pending.

Detected through surveillance:

Case 63722 is a 67 year-old male Singaporean who works as a delivery driver for DCH Auriga (Singapore) Pte Ltd, and frequently delivered goods at JEM and Westgate shopping malls. He is asymptomatic and was detected when he was tested for COVID-19 on 24 May as part of our testing operations for those who worked in or visited JEM and Westgate. His test result came back positive for COVID-19 infection on 25 May. He has tested preliminarily positive for the B.1.617 variant, and is pending further confirmatory tests. His serology test result is pending. Case 63722 received his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on 3 April, and the second dose on 24 April.

Case 63724 is a 28 year-old female Singaporean who works as a hairdresser at Kimage Hair Salon (Lot 1), and had visited JEM shopping mall on 9 May. She developed a cough and body aches on 23 May, and sought medical treatment at a GP clinic the next day. She underwent both an ART and PCR test, and was immediately isolated when her ART result came back positive on the same day. Her PCR test result came back positive on 25 May. Her serology test result is pending.

Case 63733 is a 30 year-old female Singapore Permanent Resident who works as a pastor at Grace Assembly Church. She had visited JEM on 11 May. She is asymptomatic and was detected when she was tested for COVID-19 on 24 May as part of our testing operations for those who visited JEM and Westgate. Her test result came back positive for COVID-19 infection on 25 May. Her serology test result is pending.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Returning citizens, permanent residents require negative PCR test 3 days before flight home​

The Ministry of Health (MOH) updated its COVID-19 test requirements to include Singapore citizens and permanent residents.

As of May 29, Singapore citizens and permanent residents will also be required to present valid negative COVID-19 plymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests taken 72 hours before their departure to Singapore. This has long been a requirement for long-term pass holders and short-term visitors.

Upon arrival, both citizens and residents would have to take another PCR test before they are brought to Stay-Home Notice (SHN) facilities.

Travellers from low-risk regions of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Mainland China, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Macao are excempt from the 72-hour test requirement, but will still have to take either a PCR test upon arrival or serve a 7-day SHN at their place of residence.

Singaporeans who test positive for COVID-19 while overseas and require urgent medical care in Singapore can still return through medevac flight or other equivalent forms of transport.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Returning citizens, permanent residents require negative PCR test 3 days before flight home​

The Ministry of Health (MOH) updated its COVID-19 test requirements to include Singapore citizens and permanent residents.

As of May 29, Singapore citizens and permanent residents will also be required to present valid negative COVID-19 plymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests taken 72 hours before their departure to Singapore. This has long been a requirement for long-term pass holders and short-term visitors.

Upon arrival, both citizens and residents would have to take another PCR test before they are brought to Stay-Home Notice (SHN) facilities.

Travellers from low-risk regions of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Mainland China, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Macao are excempt from the 72-hour test requirement, but will still have to take either a PCR test upon arrival or serve a 7-day SHN at their place of residence.

Singaporeans who test positive for COVID-19 while overseas and require urgent medical care in Singapore can still return through medevac flight or other equivalent forms of transport.

It's about time the gahment did this. As usual, too little too late.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Moderna Says Its Covid Vaccine Is Effective for 12- to 17-Year-Olds​

Moderna said on Tuesday that its coronavirus vaccine, authorized only for use in adults, was powerfully effective in 12- to 17-year-olds, and that it planned to apply to the Food and Drug Administration in June for authorization to use the vaccine in adolescents

If approved, its vaccine would become the second Covid-19 vaccine available to U.S. adolescents. Federal regulators authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine this month for 12- to 15-year-olds.


The Pfizer shot was initially authorized for use in people 16 and older, while Moderna’s has been available for those 18 and up.

Proof of the vaccines’ efficacy and safety for adolescents is helping school officials and other leaders as they plan for the fall. On Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that all public school students in New York City, the largest school system in the United States, would return to in-person learning in the fall.

New York’s move comes as several states have indicated that they will restrict remote learning, including Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

The Moderna results, which the company announced in a statement, are based on a clinical trial that enrolled 3,732 people ages 12 to 17, two-thirds of whom received two vaccine doses. There were no cases of symptomatic Covid-19 in fully vaccinated adolescents, the company reported. That translates to an efficacy of 100 percent, the same figure that Pfizer and BioNTech reported in a trial of their vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds.

“These look like promising results,” said Dr. Kristin Oliver, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “The more vaccines we have to protect adolescents from Covid, the better.”

Moderna also reported that a single dose of its vaccine had 93 percent efficacy against symptomatic disease.

“Those cases that did occur between the two doses were mild, which is also a good indicator of protection against disease,” Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease epidemiologist at George Mason University, said in an email.

The side effects were consistent with what has been reported in adults: pain at the site of the injection, headache, fatigue, muscle pain and chills. “No significant safety concerns have been identified to date,” the company said.

The adolescents in the study will be monitored for a year after their second dose.

The results were announced in a news release that did not contain detailed data from the clinical trial. And Dr. Rasmussen said that the vaccines’ efficacy can be trickier to evaluate in children, who are less likely to develop symptomatic disease than adults.

Nevertheless, she said, the results are in line with what scientists expected and suggest “that adolescents respond to the vaccine comparably to adults who receive it.”

Moderna said it planned to submit the data for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Moderna Says Its Covid Vaccine Is Effective for 12- to 17-Year-Olds​

Moderna said on Tuesday that its coronavirus vaccine, authorized only for use in adults, was powerfully effective in 12- to 17-year-olds, and that it planned to apply to the Food and Drug Administration in June for authorization to use the vaccine in adolescents

If approved, its vaccine would become the second Covid-19 vaccine available to U.S. adolescents. Federal regulators authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine this month for 12- to 15-year-olds.


The Pfizer shot was initially authorized for use in people 16 and older, while Moderna’s has been available for those 18 and up.

Proof of the vaccines’ efficacy and safety for adolescents is helping school officials and other leaders as they plan for the fall. On Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that all public school students in New York City, the largest school system in the United States, would return to in-person learning in the fall.

New York’s move comes as several states have indicated that they will restrict remote learning, including Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

The Moderna results, which the company announced in a statement, are based on a clinical trial that enrolled 3,732 people ages 12 to 17, two-thirds of whom received two vaccine doses. There were no cases of symptomatic Covid-19 in fully vaccinated adolescents, the company reported. That translates to an efficacy of 100 percent, the same figure that Pfizer and BioNTech reported in a trial of their vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds.

“These look like promising results,” said Dr. Kristin Oliver, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “The more vaccines we have to protect adolescents from Covid, the better.”

Moderna also reported that a single dose of its vaccine had 93 percent efficacy against symptomatic disease.

“Those cases that did occur between the two doses were mild, which is also a good indicator of protection against disease,” Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease epidemiologist at George Mason University, said in an email.

The side effects were consistent with what has been reported in adults: pain at the site of the injection, headache, fatigue, muscle pain and chills. “No significant safety concerns have been identified to date,” the company said.

The adolescents in the study will be monitored for a year after their second dose.

The results were announced in a news release that did not contain detailed data from the clinical trial. And Dr. Rasmussen said that the vaccines’ efficacy can be trickier to evaluate in children, who are less likely to develop symptomatic disease than adults.

Nevertheless, she said, the results are in line with what scientists expected and suggest “that adolescents respond to the vaccine comparably to adults who receive it.”

Moderna said it planned to submit the data for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

You would not expect Moderna to say anything different.