The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Mar. 9 that it will need to prioritise resources at public hospitals in view of the rising number of Covid-19 cases globally and the expected rise in the number of confirmed cases in Singapore.

Therefore, foreigners on short-term visit pass (STVP) holders who seek treatment for Covid-19 in Singapore will have to pay for their own treatment.

This new ruling has started two days ago on Mar. 7.

However, MOH will continue to waive Covid-19 testing fees for all STVP holders as part of its public health measures to identify and initiate contact tracing for confirmed cases.

"The government will continue to pay for the Covid-19 testing fees and hospital bill in full for Singapore Residents and long term pass holders who are admitted to public hospitals for Covid-19," said MOH.

New swab test for visitors with fever and symptoms

Starting from Mar. 5, travellers who arrive in Singapore and exhibit fever or other symptoms of respiratory illness but may not meet the definition of a clinical suspect case for Covid-19 will have to undergo a swab test for Covid-19 at immigration checkpoints.

After taking the swab test, these travellers will be allowed to carry on with their journeys in Singapore.

Pending the results, which may take between three and six hours, the travellers are advised to minimise contact with others as a precautionary measure.

Individuals will be contacted regarding their swab test results.

Those who test positive will be conveyed to the hospital from wherever they are in a dedicated ambulance.

Top image by Sulaiman Daud.