Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

14 Sep 2021

Requirement for Management Corporation Strata Titles to Clean Common Touch-points in Immediate Vicinity of Positive COVID-19 Cases

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if NEA requires Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) to clean common touch-points near positive COVID-19 cases and if not, whether NEA will consider it.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that NEA advises MCSTs or managing agents to clean and disinfect all common touch-points in affected strata developments, similar to other premises, and provides guidelines for proper cleaning and protective equipment.
She noted that MCSTs have been responsive, and NEA can compel uncooperative ones through an order under the Infectious Diseases Act if needed.

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14 Sep 2021

Employees who May Require Regular Testing under New “Vaccinate or Regular Test” Regime

Alex Yam asked the Minister for Manpower about the estimated number of employees needing regular testing under the "Vaccinate or Regular Test" regime, who would pay for twice-weekly antigen rapid tests, and whether legal protections exist for cost disputes between employers and employees.
The Minister for Manpower responded that as of 8 September 2021, about 90% of the workforce was fully vaccinated, and under the regime, unvaccinated employees would undergo more frequent testing to detect infections early and reduce transmission risk.
Employers may require medically eligible but unvaccinated employees to pay for any additional antigen rapid tests beyond those for vaccinated employees, and are encouraged to discuss vaccination importance and cost arrangements with staff.
In case of disputes over test costs, employers and employees are advised to seek advice and assistance from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), with further details available in the tripartite advisory on COVID-19 vaccination at the workplace.

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14 Sep 2021

Recipient Countries of COVID-19 Vaccine Donations by Singapore

Singapore donated 100,000 doses of Moderna to Brunei and 20,000 doses of Sinovac to Johor, with plans for a further 100,000 Pfizer-BioNTech doses to Johor, but costs are undisclosed due to manufacturer contracts.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that donations are made only after ensuring Singapore’s own vaccine needs are met, with considerations including global shortages, the need for regional control, and helping neighbours with high cross-border movement.
The Minister highlighted the principle that no one is safe until everyone is safe, citing a mutual vaccine swap with Australia as an example of international cooperation to optimise vaccination schedules.

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14 Sep 2021

Mental Well-being of Teachers Given Additional Counselling Roles

The Ministry of Education explained that teachers are trained in basic counselling skills and mental health literacy to support students, while teacher counsellors and school counsellors provide additional support, with workload monitored to ensure teachers are well-supported.
MOE has existing structures, such as counselling services, staff well-being committees, and training programs, to support educators' mental well-being, aligned with tripartite advisories and available through free, confidential in-house and government-wide counselling.
The Ministry commits to continuously refining its efforts to support educators and students, including monitoring teacher workload and enhancing capabilities to address mental health needs in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning.

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14 Sep 2021

HPB's Cash Voucher Incentive for Those Who Successfully Refer Seniors Aged 60 and Older to Get Vaccinated

Lim Biow Chuan questioned whether the $30 HPB voucher incentive for referring seniors aged 60 and older for vaccination discriminates against those who had already persuaded their parents to get vaccinated earlier.
Ong Ye Kung explained that the incentive acknowledges the additional effort needed to persuade vaccine-hesitant seniors and cover costs like accompanying them to vaccination centers.
The minister noted that the program has successfully referred about 550 seniors for their first dose in the first two weeks, supporting national vaccination efforts.
The initiative aims to engage seniors who remain unvaccinated and require deeper assurance, complementing earlier vaccination efforts.
Ong Ye Kung thanked everyone who contributed to the vaccination program, emphasizing that each additional vaccinated person benefits the broader community.

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14 Sep 2021

Impact on Social Cohesion Caused by Differentiated Treatment for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Residents

Mr Lim Biow Chuan questioned whether differentiated treatment for vaccinated and unvaccinated residents would divide Singaporeans and how the government can encourage vaccination without causing division.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that COVID-19 has largely united Singaporeans, with high vaccination rates achieved through various measures, though a minority remain unvaccinated.
He explained that differentiated measures are necessary to protect unvaccinated individuals and the vulnerable by limiting their participation in higher-risk activities, with options like pre-event testing available.
The Minister noted that these measures may be removed once Singapore reaches herd immunity through high vaccination levels.
He emphasized that the measures are public health protections, not discrimination, and must be communicated clearly to avoid misunderstanding.

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14 Sep 2021

Safeguards to Ensure Travellers to and from Germany Do Not Move Unrestricted Within Europe Before Arriving in Singapore

Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Transport about safeguards to prevent passengers using the Germany-Singapore quarantine-free travel lane from moving unrestricted within Europe before arrival in Singapore.
S Iswaran directed the query to the official reply given on 14 September 2021 regarding measures ensuring only fully vaccinated visitors enter Singapore.
The debate highlighted concerns about travel privilege abuse and the need for clear entry protocols.
The response emphasized existing published safeguards rather than introducing new measures specific to Germany travel lanes.
The exchange underscores the government's reliance on pre-existing COVID-19 travel regulations to address such questions.

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14 Sep 2021

Measures to Ensure only Fully COVID-19 Vaccinated Visitors Can Enter Singapore

Singapore plans to allow only vaccinated visitors to enter by introducing a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) pilot with Germany and Brunei, which exempts fully vaccinated travellers from quarantine but requires multiple PCR tests.
Entry requirements include a Vaccinated Travel Pass for non-residents, verification of vaccination status through digital certificates with QR codes or manual checks, and a strict travel history declaration enforced by law to prevent bypass of restrictions.
The government is working on mutual recognition of overseas vaccination certificates and will adjust measures based on the VTL outcomes, aiming to balance border reopening with public health protection to safeguard Singapore’s economy and connectivity.

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14 Sep 2021

Foreign Workers Entering Singapore who have been Tested Positive for COVID-19

Ang Wei Neng requested a breakdown of foreign workers entering Singapore from January 2021, categorized by domestic helpers, S Pass holders, Employment Pass holders, and other work permit holders, including those who tested positive for COVID-19 and those who suffered serious symptoms requiring oxygen ventilators or ICU warding.
Tan See Leng explained that the Ministry of Manpower calibrates entry based on the COVID-19 situation in departure countries, not the type of work pass, and from January to August 2021, about 12,200 work pass holders entered monthly with a net decline of 9,900 due to more departures than arrivals.
Approximately 1% of work pass holders entering Singapore during this period tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival or during stay-home notice, with only five requiring oxygen ventilators and none warded in ICUs.

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14 Sep 2021

Protecting Consumers against False Claims by Health Supplement Companies

Dr Wan Rizal questioned how the Ministry of Health balances public health protection with consumer choice in light of a recent case where a health supplement company was fined for false cancer cure claims.
He also asked whether the Ministry is collaborating with other agencies to issue import alerts for unsafe dietary supplements to promptly remove harmful products from the market.
Ong Ye Kung explained that health supplements do not require HSA approval as they are not meant to treat diseases, but HSA prohibits medicinal ingredients and false medical claims, conducts post-market surveillance, and provides guidelines and public advisories to ensure safety and informed consumer decisions.

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14 Sep 2021

Sufficiency of Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act to Prohibit Advertisements with False Claims

Dr Wan Rizal questioned if the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act (MASA) can sufficiently prohibit false medical claims in modern digital media advertisements.
MASA prohibits unlicensed entities from advertising treatments for medical conditions, aiming to prevent public inducement to seek unlicensed services.
The prohibition applies to all advertisement forms, including digital platforms, and MOH will investigate and enforce violations under MASA.

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14 Sep 2021

Causes for Recent COVID-19 Infections amongst Bus Captains at Bus Interchanges

Gerald Giam asked about COVID-19 transmission modes at bus interchanges, whether commuters were infected, and if all bus captains will be required to be vaccinated, highlighting concerns about safety measures and vaccination mandates for public transport workers.
S Iswaran responded that high vaccination rates among public transport workers (over 96%) and enhanced cleaning and safe management measures have been prioritized to protect staff and commuters, with ongoing reviews as the virus mutates.
MOH's preliminary findings suggest infections among bus workers likely originated from the community, especially during July's case surge, leading to proactive testing and isolation measures, including routine testing and targeted swab tests at high-case interchanges to contain spread.

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14 Sep 2021

Relaxation of Movement Restriction Orders on Migrant Workers Staying in Dormitories

Members of Parliament asked about the timeline and conditions for relaxing movement restrictions on migrant workers in dormitories, including their return to the community, the justification for continued lockdowns, and support for their mental wellness.
The Minister responded that dormitories are more resilient due to over 90% vaccination rates, multi-layered detection and containment strategies, and safe living measures, but cautioned against lifting restrictions too quickly to avoid reversing pandemic gains.
Current eased measures allow workers to visit recreation centres and participate in social activities, with plans to pilot guided community visits for vaccinated workers while continuing to monitor the situation.

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14 Sep 2021

Complaints Received about Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers and Training and Protocols for Them

Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers receive pre-deployment, on-the-job, and regular training on conduct and protocols, including how to respond to unverified reports and handle home checks with safeguards like two-officer deployments and body-worn cameras.
From April 2020 to August 2021, out of over 5,100 home breach feedback cases, officers entered residences fewer than 30 times, with 16 enforcement actions taken and two cases pending, while checks require reasonable suspicion, repeated feedback, or visible signs of breaches.
From January to August 2021, 75 complaints were received about Safe Distancing Ambassadors and 17 about Enforcement Officers, with 20 and 2 substantiated respectively, mostly for rude or unprofessional behavior, and all allegations are investigated seriously.

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14 Sep 2021

Protection and Assistance Measures for Delivery Riders

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the lack of data on injuries and fatalities among delivery riders, the impact of incentive structures on safety, and the absence of basic job protections like work injury compensation and CPF contributions for platform workers.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower confirmed low fatality numbers but noted a lack of injury data, and highlighted that platform workers often lack employee-like protections, leading to financial and healthcare vulnerabilities.
An Advisory Committee will be convened to study protections for platform workers, including injury compensation, healthcare, retirement adequacy, and balancing platform flexibility with worker stability.
MPs emphasized the need for longer-term safety nets, such as medical and housing support, and questioned whether platform companies should bear more responsibility for their workers' welfare.
The Ministry acknowledged that current compensation for gig workers is not comparable to that of employees and committed to examining these issues further through stakeholder consultations.

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14 Sep 2021

Update on Booster Programme Roll-out and Help for Pregnant and Post-partum Women to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

The government has achieved over 80% full vaccination coverage and is commencing a booster programme for seniors aged 60 and above and immunocompromised individuals, while continuously studying the need and plans for general population boosters.
A cautious transition to a COVID-19 resilient nation is paused due to rising cases, with vaccination-differentiated measures, testing regimes like "Vaccinate or Regular Testing," and safe management measures remaining key to control transmission.
Support is provided for pregnant women, medically ineligible individuals, and workers in higher-risk settings, including funding for tests and facilitating hospital visits through video conferencing, while the government continues to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

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14 Sep 2021

Number of Children in Singapore Infected with Delta Variant of COVID-19 and Safeguarding Their Health Before Vaccination

Singapore has recorded 367 pediatric COVID-19 cases, with 172 linked to the Delta variant, and no children have required oxygen supplementation or ICU care to date.
Health measures include mask-wearing, limiting group sizes, and hygiene practices in schools and preschools, with extra precautions advised for immunocompromised children and their families.
The government is monitoring long COVID-19 symptoms in children and will provide care if needed, while noting no cases of Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome have been documented locally.
Lessons from international experiences are being considered, but Singapore’s context—including population health and healthcare access—shapes its approach to safeguarding children.
Approval for COVID-19 vaccinations for children will depend on overseas data and vaccine company applications, with decisions communicated to the public when made.

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13 Sep 2021

Measures to Better Manage Cost of Quarantine for Foreign Domestic Workers Entering Singapore

Shawn Huang Wei Zhong inquired about upcoming measures to reduce quarantine costs for foreign domestic workers entering Singapore.
Tan See Leng outlined that employers can opt for shared rooms at the Stay-Home Notice Dedicated Facility (SDF), which cost $1,000 compared to $1,500 for single rooms.
The Ministry of Manpower also considers appeals on a case-by-case basis to waive SDF costs based on household income and financial circumstances.

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13 Sep 2021

Efforts to Ease Movement of Foreign Domestic Workers into Singapore

The Ministry of Manpower is progressively scheduling the entry of migrant domestic workers who had previously postponed arrival dates, with quotas adjusted based on local and overseas COVID-19 situations.
The Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore) launched a pilot programme in July 2021 to facilitate safer entry of migrant domestic workers through additional overseas safe management measures, prioritising households with caregiving needs.
The pilot programme is ongoing at a small scale to assess risks and refine processes, and more time is needed before deciding whether to scale it up for broader entry facilitation.

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13 Sep 2021

Protocols for Reporting of Suicide and Attempted Suicide Cases by Media to Discourage Potential Copycat Behaviour

Miss Rachel Ong asked about media protocols for reporting suicide and attempted suicide cases to discourage copycat behavior, especially among vulnerable youth, and to minimize trauma to mentally unstable survivors, particularly younger ones.
Mrs Josephine Teo highlighted that media reporting should be sensitive and responsible to avoid adding to pain and trauma, and mentioned the NCSS’s Beyond the Label media guide launched in March, which provides guidelines for reporting mental health issues, including advising against sensational details and recommending inclusion of helplines.
The guide has been shared with mainstream media newsrooms, editors, and journalists across platforms and is available online, and mainstream media have largely demonstrated a responsible approach with long-standing understanding with the government.
The government urges all media outlets to continue exercising care, sensitivity, and precaution to avoid trauma and will engage with media to ensure responsible reporting.

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