Effective today (24 March), all short-term visitors will be barred from entering or transiting through Singapore, in view of the recent surge in imported COVID-19 cases. To date, more than half of the 509 confirmed cases were imported.
The travel restrictions are also extended to all work pass holders and their dependents with exception to those providing essential services, such as in healthcare and transport.
“These are very significant moves especially for a small, open economy like Singapore that has always been connected to the world,” said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong.
Associate Professor Jeremy Lim, co-director of global health, described the newly implemented tourist ban as part of Singapore’s incremental and measured approach to relieve pressure on our healthcare system and reduce risk of importation.
He also stressed that an economic rescue package was necessary in light of the ban to support tourism-related businesses such as restaurants and retailers.
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