The Government will reset the five core parameters to Singapore’s Safe Management Measures (SMMs) from 29 August 2022.
There will no longer be a limit to gathering group sizes, and there will no longer be a limit to event sizes – though vaccination-differentiated SMMs will still be required.
Additionally, mask-wearing at most indoor settings will be lifted, all workers can concurrently return to the workplace, and safe distancing measures will no longer be required.
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce made the announcements at its first, full physical press conference in over two years at the Ministry of Communications and Information building on 24 August 2022.
“As we become more resilient, we are now able to take steps to adjust our measures,” said MTF Co-Chair Lawrence Wong.
While the Government will lift mask-wearing requirements at most indoor settings, masks will still be required while commuting via public transport, as well as at enclosed and crowded settings which are frequented by vulnerable and immunocompromised individuals.
Commuters are advised to mask up while commuting via LRT, MRT and public buses. This includes transits made on foot while within enclosed interchanges and stations.
Mask wearing will be made optional for private transportation services. That includes school buses, private buses, and taxi services.
Individuals making visits to healthcare facilities such as hospitals, polyclinics and residential care homes must remain masked while within such facilities.
The Ministry of Manpower will revise the vaccination requirements for work pass renewals from 1 October 2022.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be a requirement for the approval of all new long-term passes and work passes applications.
For renewal applications, vaccination will be required for Work Permit Holders and S Pass Holders from the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors.
For foreign workers residing in dormitories, vaccination will also continue to be required, given that their worksites and dormitories are deemed as higher risk settings.
