Changes in Singapore's Measures Given Emergence of New COVID-19 Variants and Easing of China's COVID-19 Restrictions

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health in view of China easing its travel restrictions and the number of visitors to Singapore is expected to increase (a) what measures are in place to prevent a new wave of COVID-19 infection in Singapore should a new virus variant emerge; and (b) whether an additional dose of COVID-19 booster vaccination will be necessary, especially for the elderly.

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry's latest assessment of the risk of a new and more dangerous COVID-19 variant emerging; and (b) whether the Ministry can provide an update on Singapore's preparedness for emerging COVID-19 variants and novel pandemics in 2023 including (i) rapid diagnostics and analytics of pathogens including whole genome sequencing (ii) supply chain resilience for personal protective equipment, medications and vaccinations and (iii) onshore research, development and manufacturing of vaccines.

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) what are the key areas of concern and impact on Singapore given the current COVID-19 situation in China; (b) what is the Ministry doing to ensure that our healthcare system is prepared to deal with the possibility of new emerging COVID-19 virus variants; and (c) whether our healthcare manpower is adequately equipped to handle new COVID-19 waves, with countries like China relaxing travel restrictions while dealing with a surge in COVID-19 infections.

The Minister for Health (Mr Ong Ye Kung): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I have your permission to answer Question Nos 1 to 3 in my Ministerial Statement, to be delivered later at today's Sitting?

Mr Speaker, my response will also cover the matters raised in the questions by Ms Foo Mee Har 1 and Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim 2 , which are scheduled for a subsequent Sitting. I would invite these Members to also seek clarifications if they wish to, at the end of my Ministerial Statement.

Mr Speaker: We can do so.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 1-3:

1 To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether Singapore will impose fresh COVID-19 rules on travellers from China amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases in China; and (b) what are the key considerations for any additional rules to be imposed.

2 To ask the Minister for Health whether Singapore is considering implementing COVID-19 entry restrictions similar to other jurisdictions like the United States, for travellers and returning Singaporeans and residents from high risk COVID-19 infected countries.