Mandatory Pre-departure Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests for Individuals of All Ages Arriving in Singapore from Higher Risk Regions

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Health (a) whether pre-departure polymerase chain reaction tests (PDT) can be made mandatory for all individuals of all ages arriving in Singapore from higher-risk countries/regions via air, land and sea entry checkpoints; and (b) how does the Ministry ensure that individuals exempted from PDTs are isolated from the community until they receive negative polymerase chain reaction test results.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Pre-departure (PDT) testing is already required for all travellers above the age of two arriving from higher-risk countries/regions.

Even with PDTs, all travellers from higher risk countries are still subjected to prevailing health measures. This includes an on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test, and a 14-day Stay-at-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities with PCR tests done before the end of their SHN duration.