Singapore tightens travel rules for virus-hit India

JAKARTA, Indonesia

Starting Thursday, Singapore will tighten COVID-19 measures for arrivals who have recently traveled to virus-ravaged India, the government announced late on Tuesday.

“Travelers with recent travel history from India must undergo an additional 7-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) at their residence, in addition to 14-day SHN at designated facilities from April 22, starting at 11:59 local time,” the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement.

India has been in the grip of a devastating virus surge over the past weeks, with daily infections and deaths hitting new records of over 295,000 and more than 2,000, respectively, on Wednesday.

“Migrant workers arriving from India in the construction, marine and process sectors will continue to be subjected to a 21-day SHN. These measures will minimize importation risks and protect public health,” read the statement.

The ministry said entry approvals for non-Singapore citizens or permanent residents will also be reduced.

Hong Kong rules

Singapore has decided to ease measures for travelers from Hong Kong, where the COVID-19 situation has shown signs of improvement.

“Their stay-home notice period will be reduced from 14 days to seven, and the notice period can be served at their place of residence,” the Health Ministry said, adding that the new rules will take effect from Thursday.

Singapore will also lift entry bans for travelers from the UK and South Africa.

“Long-Term Pass holders and short-term visitors with travel history to the UK and South Africa within the past 14 days are now allowed to enter Singapore,” the ministry said.

“The travelers will continue their 14-day SHN at the SHN facility, with an additional 7 SHN days at their residence.”

*Writing by Maria Elisa Hospita from Anadolu Agency's Indonesian language service