Debated in Parliament on 28 Feb 2022.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether there are any COVID-19 safe management measures in place for full-time national servicemen (NSFs) who book out but are required to return back to camp before the end of the same day; (b) if so, what are they; and (c) whether there has been an increase in COVID-19 infections in camps brought in by these NSFs.
Mr Speaker, Sir, I thank the Member for the question. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has measures to protect its personnel, including Full-Time National Servicemen (NSFs) against COVID-19 and to prevent large outbreaks. These include vaccination, testing and safe management measures (SMMs), as well as rapid containment in the event of cases.
More than 99.7% of SAF personnel have received two vaccination shots and close to 87% have received booster shots. To detect COVID-19 infections early and to minimise its spread, the SAF has also instituted regular testing and SMMs, such as smaller group sizes and mask-on policy where possible. Service personnel, including NSFs, who booked out of camps are reminded to adhere strictly to SMMs even when they are outside and to monitor their health closely. Those who fall ill, who are sick, are only allowed to return to camp when they have recovered. Those who test positive for COVID-19 are to adhere to the national protocols.
Even with these measures, our weekly infection numbers have increased by about 17% from the previous week, along with the surge in community cases due to the Omicron variant. Most of these cases were brought in from the community and detected through our routine tests.
While there has been limited onward transmission within our camps and bases, and the vast majority of SAF personnel who contracted the virus have exhibited either mild or no symptoms so far, we are not taking things for granted. Infections have the potential to spread. We are tracking the numbers closely and remain ready to adjust our measures if necessary.
Order. End of Question Time. Introduction of Government Bills. Second Minister for Finance.
[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos 10-11 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix.]
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