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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Singapore
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19 MINUTE READ
July 30, 2020

Location:  Singapore

Event:  The Singapore Ministry of Health has confirmed 51,531 cases of COVID-19 in the country of Singapore.

Singapore’s Phase Two Re-opening: Measures and Regulations

Singapore is currently in Phase Two of its re-opening plan. Many safe-distancing measures and regulations remain in place.  Strict enforcement of these regulations is expected to continue.

Phase Two allows for retail and restaurant businesses to re-open, as well as schools, public parks and playgrounds. Small group gatherings will be permitted. On July 14 the Singapore Tourism Board issued a new Advisory on COVID-19 for Visitors and Tourism Businesses.

Please read this official government of Singapore article detailing Singapore’s Phase Two plans as well as a listing of permitted activities and guidance during Phase Two. Updates from the Singapore government can be found at https://www.gov.sg/

Returning to the United States

International commercial flight options currently exist in Singapore. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights in Singapore.

Based upon our current information, there are many commercial flight options in Singapore for direct travel back to the United States or via transit through airports in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.

Singapore Border and Entry Restrictions 

The government of Singapore, which has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, has declared that from 23 March 2020, 11:59 pm short-term visitors are generally barred from entering or transiting through Singapore until further notice, with few exceptions. This order remains in effect.

  • Prospective short-term visitors seeking entry to Singapore can apply directly to Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority to seek advance approval for entry. Please read and follow directions here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/covid-19
  •  On 14 July the Singapore Tourism Board issued a new Advisory on COVID-19 for Visitors and Tourism Businesses.
  • Transit may be possible for travelers with flights originating from certain countries or territories and using certain airlines. Prospective travelers are advised to consult with their chosen airlines about transit permissions through Singapore.

Those permitted entry into Singapore, outside of Safe Pass/Green Lane arrangements, will be issued 14-day “stay-home notices” (SHNs). From 17 June 2020 many travelers entering Singapore must serve their SHN at a Singapore government facility, such as a contracted hotel. Any lodging costs during the SHN period and any costs related to COVID-19 testing and treatment will be the sole responsibility of the foreign traveler. All potential foreign travelers to Singapore are encouraged to read this official article detailing those changes and to understand how these measures will affect their travel plans.

Violation of a Stay-Home Notice will be punishable under Singaporean law. On 15 July the Singapore government issued a new Health Advisory for Persons Issued a Stay-Home Notice (SHN). Please see the following link for that advisory notice and other updates: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19

As of 27 March 2020, all approved travelers arriving in Singapore must submit a health declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance.  For more details see the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority notice.

At this time Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders and their dependents, and other visitors have who have received approval from the Ministry of Manpower, Immigration and Checkpoint Authority or other controlling government authority are permitted entry into Singapore. Please see more details here: https://www.ica.gov.sg/covid-19

Wear masks in public and carry identification

Based upon updated guidance delivered to the U.S. Embassy, all persons in Singapore should wear a mask whenever outside of their residence in public places including public transport, supermarkets, wet markets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and shopping malls. Identity cards or passports should always be carried as many businesses now require them to be presented upon entry.

Safe-distancing “Do’s and Don’ts”

A guide list of safe-distancing “Do’s and Don’ts” is found from this official Singapore government source.

Dengue Fever in Singapore

All citizens are encouraged to read this previous 11 June 2020 Health Alert regarding the current and historically large Dengue Fever outbreak in Singapore. Updates on this situation can be found at: https://www.nea.gov.sg/dengue-zika/dengue/dengue-cases

Travel Advisories and Warnings

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Singapore advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Singapore.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

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