As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to permeate throughout the world, new strains of variant are bound to emerge.
Remember the Delta variant? That’s old news. Welcome to the world of Omicron.
South African scientists first identified the Omicron variant and reported it to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, it has been over a month since the emergence of this new variant.
Initially, Singapore adopted a more conservative approach to “buy us more time” in studying more about Omicron.
However, new knowledge about its characteristics through local and overseas data is now available. It is indicative that the Omicron is likely to be:
- More transmissible
- Less severe than the Delta variant
That could be good news; just watch this video to the end and you’d understand:
Thankfully, our Omicron cases have been not so severe thus far. No cases have required intensive care or oxygen to be supplied. However, MOH noted that it may also be because most cases are fully vaccinated and from younger people.
Here are 6 must-know updates about the Ministry of Health’s new approach to the Omicron variant.
Omicron cases are to also follow protocols 1-2-3
Starting from today (27 Dec), all Omicron cases are to also follow the guideline protocols 1-2-3.
Yes, the same ones as with all other COVID-19 cases.
Lest you’re still unfamiliar with the three-step health rules to follow, this nifty infographic should help:
Patients with Omicron are not to be isolated in designated facilities by default. Instead, they will be placed on the Home Recovery Programme. On a case-by-case basis, some patients may also be allowed to recuperate at community care facilities.
This will follow Protocol 1.
As for Protocol 2, people who possess no symptoms but are tested positive will continue to self-test. ART kits will be used and they will be discharged from the third day onwards.
Close contacts of Omicron cases to be issued HRWO instead
If you happen to be a close contact with an Omicron case, you will be directed to Protocol 3. This means that you will be issued a 7-day Health Risk Warning Order by MOH.
No, you need not be in quarantine for 10 days.
As for those currently in quarantine, they will be periodically discharged over the next few days.
Contact tracing efforts will go back to self-reporting by family members. Other platforms like TraceTogther will also continue to be utilised.
Places of higher risks such as hospitals, elderly homes, and pre-schools will also have a tighter ring-fence.
Unvaccinated people are not allowed to go back to office, even if you’re tested negative
From 1 Jan 2022, work from home will no longer be the default plan.
Whether you like it or not.
As a large bulk of our community is now vaccinated, up to 50% of workers are allowed to go back to the office. Social gatherings at the workplace will not be allowed to prevent inter-mingling and risks of infection.
The catch is this: Only vaccinated workers are permitted to go back.
As such, from 15 Jan 2022, MOH will be removing the pre-event testing (PET) option for unvaccinated workers.
“But what if I am partially vaccinated?”
Well, for those partially vaccinated, the Gahmen has given a special grace period. They have now until 31 January 2022 to take their second dose of vaccine.
During this time frame, they will still be allowed to enter the workplace with a negative PET result.
Let’s welcome the traffic jams from 3 January 2022.
ART kits to be distributed to companies to promote consistent self-testing
Presently, some companies are not required to conduct a mandatory rostered routine testing (RRT). However, MOH is encouraging firms to adopt voluntary self-testing regime.
Therefore, such companies may choose to apply for eight ART kits per vaccinated employee that are required to work onsite. This should cover their weekly testing habit over a two-month period.
By doing so, more COVID-19 cases can be sieved out which lowers the likelihood of a workplace cluster occurring.
Applications will commence from 3 to 31 January next year. More information will be disseminated here closer to the date so do keep a lookout.
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Vaccination a must for the approval of new work passes
From 1 February next year, MOH will be making vaccination a mandatory condition for selected groups of people.
They include new applications for and renewal of existing:
- Long-term passes
- Work passes
- Permanent residences
Earlier since 1 November 2021, MOH has already introduced vaccination as a requirement for long-term pass holders to Singapore.
Since our nation already has very high vaccination rates, it must somehow be sustained.
Therefore, MOH is now imposing a stricter measures for these groups of people.
Travel bans to lift for 10 African countries
Omicron messed up many travel holiday plans for people who are looking at a short getaway trip for leisure or to catch up with their family.
With flights cancelled and travel restrictions constantly on an update, some travellers may find it tough to keep up with the new announcements.
For Singapore, previous travel restrictions to African countries due to Omicron variant are now going to be lifted with effect from today.
To be specific, these are the following countries affected:
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Ghana
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
All travellers with a 14-day travel history to the countries mentioned above can now enter and transit through Singapore. However, they will still be subjected to border measures for Category IV countries.
The entire list of Safe Travel Lanes for travel to Singapore will be issued on the SafeTravel website. Ongoing border measures for each lane and the different categories will also be updated there.
In other words, simply put, Omicron would just be like Delta.
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Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com (Image for illustration purpose only)