S’pore imposes new vaccination rule for long-term, work passes

The updated rule, effective next February, is to manage the spread of the Omicron variant. (AP pic)

SINGAPORE:

As international evidence indicates the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is likely to be more transmissible yet less severe than the Delta variant, and that vaccines especially boosters help retain substantial protection against hospitalisations, Singapore will adjust its approach in managing the spread of Omicron.

In line with its updated understanding of the variant, effective Feb 1, the republic’s health ministry will make vaccination a prerequisite for the approval of new applications for and renewal of existing long-term passes, work passes and permanent residence.

Other adjustments include the lifting of travel restrictions on Bostwana, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe effective today.

Singapore has detected 546 confirmed Omicron cases as at Dec 25, comprising 443 imported cases and 103 local cases.

“In the last week, we have had 13, unlinked community Omicron cases and 78 Omicron cases from local linked community transmission,” the ministry said in a statement late on Sunday, adding that the Omicron variant has now been detected in over 110 countries, mainly in Africa and Europe.

Current observations from affected countries or regions suggest that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than currently circulating variants, and the variant has overtaken the Delta variant as the predominant variant in numerous countries, such as the UK and Denmark.

However, the ministry noted that available data thus far suggests that those infected with the Omicron variant face reduced risks of hospitalisation and severe disease compared to Delta infections.

Locally, it said, its Omicron cases have so far not been severe as well, with none requiring intensive care or respiratory assistance, although this could be partially due to most cases being fully vaccinated and from younger age groups.

Preliminary estimates from overseas studies also indicate that two doses of mRNA vaccines reduce the risk of symptomatic infection from Omicron by about 35%, it said.

“The risk is further reduced to about 75% lower for individuals with a primary and booster mRNA regimen,” it said, adding that these statistics refer to protection against symptomatic infection.

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S’pore imposes new vaccination rule for long-term, work passes

Vaccination will become a prerequisite for the approval of new applications and renewals of existing long-term passes, work passes and permanent residence.