The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) has announced tighter travel restrictions in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant, including freezing new ticket sales for Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights and buses into Singapore between Dec 23 to Jan 20, 2021, both dates inclusive.

In a press release on Dec 22, MTF states that the tightened border measures will help to buy time to study the Omicron variant and strengthen defences, including enhancing healthcare capacity and getting more people vaccinated and boosted.

All travellers who already hold a ticket on a VTL flight or bus and meet all the other VTL requirements can continue to travel under the VTL.

The quotas and ticket sales for travel after Jan 20, 2022 will also be temporarily reduced. In a separate statement, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) says that capacity and ticket sales for the land VTL between Malaysia and Singapore from Jan 21, 2022 onwards will be reduced by half to 24 bus rides per day one way.  MTI says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust capacity, taking into account the public health situation in both countries and globally.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced that for entry into Singapore via VTL flights from Jan 21, 2022, CAAS will cap the total ticket sales at 50% of the allocated quota.

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​​VTL travellers are required to undergo an on-arrival test, with VTL air travellers to undergo a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and VTL Land travellers to undergo an ART.

VTL travellers are also required to test themselves daily using self-administered antigen rapid tests (ARTs). On days 2, 4, 5 and 6, travellers are required to submit the results of their self-administered ART online using a link which will be sent to them via their declared contact details after arrival in Singapore. Travellers who do not undergo the required tests or do not submit their results will be issued a Stay-Order/Stay-Home Notice (SHN), and will also face enforcement actions under the Infectious Diseases Act.

On days 3 and 7, the tests must be done under supervision at a Combined Test Centre (CTC) or Quick Test Centre (QTC). VTL travellers will be provided with a link via their contact details submitted in the Singapore Arrival Card and electronic Health Declaration Card (SGAC/eHDC) to book their supervised tests on days 3 and 7. Bookings will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

In its press release, MTF reminded travellers to exercise personal responsibility, minimise their social interactions, and refrain from high-risk mask off activities such as dining at F&B establishments, exercising in gyms or attending fitness classes. In addition, travellers are advised to avoid large gatherings and crowded places for seven days from arrival, even if they have a negative daily ART result.

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Travellers who are unwell, including those showing early or mild symptoms, are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Photo: Albert Chua/The Edge Singapore

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