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SINGAPORE is still looking for ways to reduce the number of positive cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the country. One of them is by temporarily suspending the vaccinated travel route scheme (VTL) between 23 December 2021 to 20 January 2021.
This step is to anticipate the increase in imported cases of the Corona virus variant B.1.1.529. The Straits Times reported that imported cases of COVID-19 in Singapore increased to 89 cases as of Thursday (12/23).
A total of 53 of the 65 Omicron cases detected in Singapore on Monday arrived via the VTL scheme. Not only that, Singapore Airlines (SIA) crew, especially those serving flights to the United Kingdom (UK), are now required to wear protective clothing.
In addition to using masks and goggles to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 as has been implemented previously. Food service for business class passengers on UK flights will also be reduced to a single tray service to limit contact between passengers and cabin crew.
The UK is known to be one of the countries where Singapore has embarked on a vaccinated travel route (VTL). Through this route, travelers including travelers who are eligible to enter Singapore without having to undergo quarantine.
It is one of the most popular markets among the 24 countries where Singapore started VTL. But the COVID-19 situation there has deteriorated rapidly. The UK reported a record 119,789 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, with 16,817 new Omicron cases.
Singapore Airlines authorities said they followed the authorities’ guidance when notified of the Omicron case on its flights. SIA is also working with health authorities on all necessary contact tracing efforts when such cases are detected.
“Pilots and crew operating such flights are required to self-isolate and undergo COVID-19 testing, as the health and safety of our customers and staff members remains our priority,” he said.
On the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, Singapore Airlines Staff Union President, Alan Tan, said crew members were concerned. Hospital staff and many other frontliners are also facing the same problem.
Singapore also plans to double the number of designated facilities for close contact of Covid-19 cases if needed, in preparation for a possible spike in infections due to the Omicron variant.
There are at least 14 designated facilities active as of Wednesday (22/12) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) is looking to change 12 additional designated facilities over the next month, if needed.
A spokesperson for the Singapore Ministry of Health claims that the facility can accommodate up to 11,000 people. The ministry has contingency plans to meet various worst-case scenarios. Singapore has taken various steps to prevent the highly contagious variant of Omicron, including tightening its border measures.
Then expand its vaccination and booster program to more age groups, and increase health care capacity if needed. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health previously said that the Omicron case would be isolated for treatment at the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID).
Temporarily Suspend VTL Scheme
The vaccinated travel route scheme or VTL in Singapore was previously the entry point for Omicron’s COVID-19 spread. The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Monday (20/12) announced that 53 of the 60 imported cases of the Corona virus variant B.1.1.529 entered through this route.
Of these cases, 41 were detected via a chain reaction test (PCR) on arrival. The remaining 12 were detected through an improved testing regime. The Singaporean authorities finally acted by suspending all sales of new VTL flights and buses on Wednesday (12/22).
This rule is in effect from Thursday (12/13) to 20 January 2022. This means airlines will no longer be allowed to sell new VTL flight tickets for travel to Singapore. The suspension of sales also applies to those traveling on Singapore-Malaysia land VTL.
More than 90% of Omicron cases returning via VTL are Singaporean returnees, permanent residents and long-term residents. The Straits Times reported that the suspension of the VTL route for a month was the result of the number of imported cases reaching 76 cases since the emergence of the Omicron variant.
However, eligible travelers who purchase tickets early will still be allowed to travel through the quarantine-free travel scheme. VTL travelers who do not comply with the mandatory seven-day COVID-19 testing regime will face stay-at-home notices and enforcement action under the Infectious Diseases Act. [sources/photo special]
