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All households in Singapore will progressively receive free Covid-19 antigen rapid test (ART) kits for self-testing as Singapore transits to a "new normal".

However, Safe Management Measures (SMMs), such as mask-wearing will likely persist here.

This was announced by Lawrence Wong, finance minister and co-chair of the multi-ministry task force (MTF), in Parliament on July 26.

Free ART self-test kits

Wong said ART self-test kits will be distributed to those who reside near markets first, where large Covid-19 clusters have been identified.

Following which, the distribution of ART self-test kits will progressively scale up to include the remaining population in Singapore.

ART self-test kits are also widely available at all general retailers.

Seeing how "testing is now more affordable, accessible and convenient", Wong said that "there is no excuse not to be tested".

The minister added that there will be new methods of testing rolled out, such as waste-water surveillance in estates, and breathalyser tests at checkpoints.

He said: "Regular testing, and the social consciousness to get ourselves tested regularly, will protect us and keep us safe as we transit to the new normal."

Mask wearing remains

Regarding SMMs, Wong said mask-wearing requirements might not be completely done away with, and it "may well be one of the last rules to go".

For example, in indoors and enclosed environments where the risks of transmissions are higher, mask requirements "still make sense" and may still remain.

However, in outdoor spaces, mask-wearing might not be necessary.

With Singapore's controlled and phased re-opening, Wong said such SMMs "still remain relevant and important", where they can "help reduce transmission effectively".

As Singapore moves towards a new normal, Wong stressed that everyone has a part to play by staying disciplined and continuing to maintain these SMMs practices.

Regular enforcement checks

Since April 2020, enforcement agencies have been conducting daily enforcement checks and when laws were found to have been flouted, offenders consisting of both operators and individuals have been punished.

This regular enforcement in public venues will continue, and strict action will be taken against any breach of the rules, said Wong.

According to him, enforcement agencies are doing "everything they can, in very challenging circumstances".

He said: "Our safe distancing ambassadors (SDAs) and enforcement officers will continue to do their best, and we should give them our full support."

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Top image from Watsons website, Guardian website and Ministry of Communications and Information/YouTube