The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) said today (Jul. 10) that it is taking immediate action to tighten border measures in view of a "worsening" Covid-19 situation in Indonesia.

The MTF said that Singapore will be reducing entry approvals for non-Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) with immediate effect. However, it added that entry approvals may be considered where additional safe management measures are taken.

Additionally, from Jul. 12, 11:59pm, all travellers with travel history to Indonesia within the last 21 days will not be allowed to transit through Singapore.

Meanwhile, for travellers seeking to enter Singapore, pre-departure testing requirements will also be tightened.

Those with travel history to Indonesia in the last 21 days prior to departure for Singapore currently need to test negative within 72 hours of their departure, and present a negative test result.

From Jul. 12, 11:59pm, however, they will need to be tested closer to their departure, within 48 hours instead.

Those who arrive without a negative PCR test "may be denied entry into Singapore," the MTF said, adding that Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders who fail to comply with the new requirements may have their permit or pass cancelled.

The tightened measures are "to manage the risk of importation from travellers and onward local transmission," said the MTF.

The MTF said that all travellers will continue to be subjected to the following measures:

• 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities.
• On-arrival PCR test, and PCR test on Day 14 of arrival.
• On-arrival Antigen Rapid Test (ART), and self-administered ART test on days 3, 7 and 11 of arrival.

Top image via Changi Airport