Singapore expands "Vaccinate or Regular Test" regime to more settings from 1 Oct '21

Unvaccinated individuals in these settings, which now include retail mall workers, public transport frontline workers, taxi drivers and more, will be required to undergo COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests twice a week.

Starting 1 October 2021, unvaccinated individuals in more settings will be required to undergo COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests twice a week, under Singapore's expanded "Vaccinate or Regular Test" regime.

Including the sectors first announced by the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on 6 August, this expanded regime will apply to:

• The healthcare sector, eldercare sector and settings with children 12 years and below, as these interact with vulnerable segments of the population;
• Sectors where there are interactions with customers in higher-risk mask-off settings, and Singapore's borders and COVID-19 frontline work. These sectors include F&B establishments, gyms and fitness studios, and personal care services; and
• The Public Service, including the uniformed services.
• Newly added settings include:
  • Retail mall workers, workers in supermarket outlets, taxi and private hire car drivers, last-mile delivery personnel, driving school instructors/private driving instructors, and public transport frontline staff as they also interact more frequently with the general public.
  • Arts classes, e.g. dance, singing, wind/brass instruments, voice and theatre training (including speech and drama, actor training) classes.
  • Pivoted bars, nightclubs, discotheques and karaoke establishments that are allowed to re-open.
  • Markets, e.g. stallholders and assistants
  • Cleaners in sectors listed above, and those offering disinfection services
• A full list of settings covered in the regime can be found here. 

In its press release on Friday (13 August 2021), the MTF said: "We strongly encourage all employers to facilitate vaccination for your employees. A fully vaccinated workforce ensures a safe workplace and safe environment for everyone."

Photo / 123RF

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