From July 15, Fast and Easy Test (FET) Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) for staff in higher-risk settings will be made compulsory, the Multi-ministry Taskforce (MTF) announced on Wednesday, July 7.

The higher-risk settings are:

• Dine-in F&B establishments
• Personal care services, which include facial and nail services, spas/ saunas, massage establishments, hairdressing, and make-up services
• Gyms and fitness studios where clients are unmasked

This new testing regime follows the progressive roll-out of Fast and Easy Tests (FETs) for staff in higher-risk settings.

Businesses in Singapore have been engaged in carrying out Covid-19 testing and they will commence FET Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) via Employer-Supervised Self Swab or at Quick Test Centres.

Many of the systems are now in place, MTF said.

Increasing Access to ART Test Kits

MOH had earlier announced that Over-the-Counter Antigen Rapid Tests (OTC ARTs) would be made available at designated local retail pharmacies from June 16, 2021.

From July 16, 2021, the sale of these ART self-test kits will be extended to more general retailers, such as supermarkets and convenience stores.

MOH will also lift the restriction that caps OTC ART sales at 10 kits per individual.

With this, more individuals, particularly those who do not have acute respiratory infection symptoms, can test themselves if they are concerned about potential exposure to Covid-19.

Top image via Belmont Lay