The number of COVID-19 transmission cases in the community has been climbing significantly since Singapore exited the Phase Two (Heightened Alert).
From an average of 76 local cases per day a fortnight ago to 288 cases per day in the past week – the number of local cases has, reached 450 cases a day, as of 9 September 2021.
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on COVID-19 made the announcement on 10 September 2021.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health (MOH) also stated that Singapore will see up to 1,000 daily cases as the Government intensifies testing efforts.
MTF Co-Chair Lawrence Wong said that the sharp rise is concerning but not unexpected, and that the taskforce will not be reinstating any heightened alert measures for now.
He said: “We do not think there is a need to return to the Heightened Alert and circuit breaker at this juncture. These are last resort measures, but we should not rule them out entirely. In the event that we see the risk of our hospital system being overwhelmed, we may have to introduce them.”
As Singapore moves towards endemic living with the COVID-19, the Government will be enhancing several measures to control the spread of the virus.
Sectors currently on mandatory 14-day Fast and Easy Test (FET) Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) will need to increase their frequency of testing to every seven days starting from 13 September 2021.
FET RRT is a surveillance testing programme for identified groups who have been deemed more vulnerable or have higher risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Since 15 July 2021, FET RRT has been made mandatory for staff in all dine-in F&B establishments, personal care services and fitness centres and gyms.
In a bid to get more workers tested, the Government will begin to distribute the Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits from next week onwards for companies to undertake regular testing.
More details on the application process, the coverage, and delivery of kits will be provided soon.
Meanwhile, the Government encourages Singaporeans to use the ART kits that are currently being distributed to all households.
Everyone should perform a self-test before visiting crowded places, attending events, or visiting vulnerable seniors.
From 14 September 2021, MOH will progressively invite seniors 60 years and above, and residents of aged-care facilities who have completed their vaccination regimen with two doses at least six months ago to receive their booster mRNA vaccine.
An SMS with a personalised booking link will be sent to their registered mobile number for them to book a new appointment on www.vaccine.gov.sg.
Eligible residents of aged care facilities will also be receiving their booster dose in the coming weeks.
