With vaccination-differentiated measures to be fully lifted on Monday, the minister noted that such restrictions were aimed at protecting the unvaccinated in crowded areas.
Singapore is expected to lift COVID-19 regulations on non-vaccinated people starting Monday. However, it is prepared to increase such measures when necessary to lower infections rates and protect unvaccinated people, said Ong Ye Kung, Health Minister.
With vaccination-differentiated measures (VDS) to be fully lifted on Monday, the minister noted that while such restrictions aimed at protecting the unvaccinated in crowded areas, had pushed many to get vaccinated, it is better to step them down given that they are now not as extensive.
Ong spoke out during a meeting with the media about VDS. “Today VDS in restaurants is pretty much a honesty system, with random sporadic enforcement.”
“It is not that VDS doesn’t work. It’s not that VDS doesn’t function in its current form. I find it too light. It’s best to reduce the complexity so that we have the ability to rise to the appropriate level when we truly need it.
Friday’s statement by the Ministry of Health stated that VDS would no longer be necessary for events with over 500 participants and nightlife establishments that include dancing or food and drink establishments.
Ong was asked if there were any concerns that the easing could lead to people over 50 not receiving their fourth booster shot. Given that VDS coverage is limited at this time, he stated that he did not believe that that was a concern and appealed to those who are in that age range to keep up with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
“If you are up to date on your vaccinations, your chances of becoming infected and causing a very serious outcome are significantly lower.” The Straits Times quoted Ong saying, “Do it to protect your health and don’t listen to rumours from outside.”
Ong claimed that the government was transparent about vaccine reactions, with the Health Sciences Authority publishing severe adverse reactions every three months.
He stated that most of these cases can be treated by themselves, and that although there are risks with any type of vaccination, it is worth considering the benefits over remaining unvaccinated.
“Come December,” the minister said. “We don’t know what type of variant will appear or arrive in Singapore. The minister stated that it was dangerous and that they don’t want anyone to be surprised.
“So now, while time and space are available, get yourself properly vaccinated using the bivalent vaccines. Ong said that this is the best protection we have for December’s possible threats.
The Health Ministry has announced that the updated bivalent Moderna/Spikevax vaccination will replace the original Moderna/Spikevax from October 17 and will be available to all adults 18 and over.
Ong shared a Facebook post Sunday stating that bivalent versions have the same safety profile and clinical studies as the original Moderna/Spikevax.
“Serious adverse effects (SAEs), have been reported in around six in 100,000 vaccines of the original formulation. All have recovered or are currently recovering,” he stated.
“HSA also reported a decreasing rate of SAEs following further shots (i.e. He stated that boosters are more commonly used than primary series, and that there is less chance of adverse reactions.
Ong clarified this point in the post. While COVID-19 can be used to provide minimum protection, it cannot replace a shot to maintain vaccinations.
Singapore has reported 6,888 COVID-19 new infections since Tuesday. This is an increase from 2,587 local cases on Tuesday.
Due to socializing over the weekend, there is a spike in Tuesday cases. Media reports attribute this increase to the F1 Grand Prix race, which attracted more then 300,000.
During the Covid-19 pandemic in the latter two years, the race wasn’t held.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Singapore, there have been 936.270 and 1,625 deaths related to it as of Thursday.
