Singapore will consider easing COVID-19 restrictions in early August but only for those who are fully vaccinated.
The prospect of implementing such a policy was touted by Finance Minister Lawrence Wong after the sovereign state last week reverted back to phase two “heightened alert” restrictions due to rising case numbers.
As reported by The Straits Times, those restrictions will be reviewed next week with the current alert level likely to be extended given the 7-day average still sits at 153 daily cases, including 136 new cases on Tuesday.
However, Wong said there was a chance Singapore could start rewarding those who have been fully vaccinated.
“This means that if you want to attend a large event or a religious service involving more than 100 persons, you have to be fully vaccinated,” he told parliament while outlining potential next steps.
“If you want to go out to dine in a restaurant or work out in a gym, you have to be fully vaccinated.”
Singapore has already outlined plans to transition to a new normal and open its borders to tourists by September when around 80% of the population is expected to be fully vaccinated, up from around 50% at present.
The current outbreak has again heavily impacted businesses, including Marina Bay Sands which has suspended casino operations from 22 July until 5 August after a cluster of cases was linked back to the venue. Resorts World Sentosa is operating at limited capacity.
Wong reiterated Singapore’s intention to reopen to some international travel in September.
“We will start by establishing travel corridors with countries or regions that have managed COVID-19 well, and where the infection is similarly under control,” he said.
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