ANKARA

Singapore on Monday approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, and expects to receive the first shipments by the end of this month, the country’s premier said.

“We have approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for pandemic use, and the first batch will arrive this month. We also have other vaccines on order, and by 3Q2021 [the third quarter of next year] should have enough to vaccinate everyone,” Lee Hsien Loong said in a Facebook post.

Lee said the country will be providing free and voluntary vaccinations for all citizens and long-term residents.

“I encourage you to get vaccinated, to protect not just yourself but also those around you,” he added.

The prime minister also announced a further easing of virus-related restrictions from Dec. 28, but urged the citizens to not let their guard down “as the virus is not yet eradicated.”

“It might be a year or more before we are in the clear, but at least we can see light at the end of the tunnel,” Lee said.

According to the Health Ministry, social gatherings of up to eight people will be allowed, up from five currently. Similarly, households can receive up to eight visitors.

Singapore reported seven new cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total caseload to 58,320. The death toll in the country stands at 29, according to the Health Ministry.