Advisory on COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) for Visitors and Tourism Businesses

ADVISORY ON COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

3 April 2020

Since the start of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) outbreak, the Singapore Government has progressively implemented a series of measures to reduce the risk of imported cases and slow the transmission of the virus.

As the situation has deteriorated globally, we have strengthened our measures accordingly to protect Singaporeans and do our part in the worldwide effort against COVID-19.

To help guide visitors and tourism businesses, this advisory provides a summary of the current measures.

General Advisory for Visitors

1. From 23 March 2020, 2359 hours, all short-term visitors (from anywhere in the world) will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or to transit through Singapore. Singapore has also ceased port calls for all cruise vessels.

2. If you are in Singapore, you can do your part by practising good personal hygiene and monitoring your own health. More information about how to travel responsibly in Singapore can be found here: https://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/travel-responsibly/.To help plan your travel, please visit MOH’s website (https://www.moh.gov.sg) regularly for the latest updates.

General Advisory for Tourism Businesses

1. In line with the evolving situation, the government has introduced additional precautionary measures to minimise the risk of further transmission of the virus in the community.

2. Businesses are advised to obtain health and travel declarations from employees on whether they have travelled abroad recently or if they have any upcoming travel plans. Businesses are also advised to defer all travel abroad.

3. All Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass¹ holders returning to Singapore will be issued a 14-day Stay-Home-Notice (SHN)². Persons under SHN must remain in their place of residence at all times. They will have to provide proof of the place where they will serve the SHN. Employers and employees must ensure that employees behave responsibly during the SHN. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) may take action against the employer or employee if they do not discharge their responsibility.

4. From 25 March 2020, 2359 hours, returnees from UK and US will be required to serve their SHN in a dedicated facility (e.g hotels). Transportation will be arranged to send the returnees directly from the airport to the hotels. Returnees can contact the SHN helpline at +65 6812 5555 for more information.

5. From 27 March 2020, 0900 hours, returnees will also be required to submit a health declaration via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service³, before proceeding with immigration clearance. The SGAC e-service can also be downloaded for free on Apple AppStore and Google Play. All travellers can submit their health declaration up to three days prior to their arrival in Singapore. Those who make false declarations will be liable for prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act. For more information on the travel declaration requirements, please refer to the MOH website (www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19)

6. From 23 March 2020, 2359, work pass holders and their dependents will be allowed to return/enter into Singapore only if they work in sectors that provide essential services such as healthcare and transport. Malaysians with Singapore work permits will continue to be able to work in Singapore during this period, with appropriate accommodation arrangements.

7. All returning travellers are reminded to monitor their health closely and seek early medical treatment should they develop fever or any respiratory symptoms such as cough or sore throat.

8. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has also introduced temporary schemes to help companies manage the manpower disruptions caused by COVID-19. For more information on the temporary relief measures please refer to MOM’s press release. 

Operators of Venues

9.From 7 April 2020 all workplace premises and retail outlets except for those necessary to support the daily living needs of the population will be closed. The measures are expected to be in place until 4 May 2020, but this may be extended if necessary.

10.Entities which carry out essential activities outlined by MTI can continue to operate from their workplace premises, until informed otherwise. They are required to submit details of their plans to operate with enhanced safe distancing measures in place at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg by end of 13 Apr. Please refer to MTI’s press release for more details.

11. Entities providing Essential Services must comply with the following:

a. All activities that can take place through telecommuting must be done from home

b.Employers must implement safe distancing measures to reduce physical interactions by:

                    i. Reducing the need for and duration of physical interactions

                    ii. Staggering working hours

                    iii. Postponing all group events; and

                    iv. Implementing shift work and/or split team arrangements

c. F&B outlets (including restaurants, hawker centres, coffeeshops and food courts) can continue to operate for take-away and/or delivery only. Outlets which do not currently offer take-away and/or delivery can do so or allow third-party food delivery services to do so for them. While patrons and delivery drivers can continue to enter the premises to access take-away services, there will be no dine-in service, and nobody should consume any food or drinks on-site whilst waiting for takeaway food. F&B outlets that remain open must adhere to the enhanced Safe Distancing Measures in their premises, and minimise crowds by ensuring patrons are spaced at least 1 metre apart at all times (i.e. within the premise and when queuing).

12. Please refer to STB’s advisory on operationalisation of safe distancing measures for retail stores and F&B outlets for the detailed precautions that operators should take note of. For more information please visit MOH’s website.

Events

13. All events and mass gatherings (e.g. conferences, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, sporting events, trade fairs) must be deferred or cancelled, regardless of size.

14. Singaporeans are advised to avoid holding and participating in social events. 

15. As the situation develops, please visit MOH’s website regularly for the latest updates. You may also refer to the list of FAQs developed by STB for the tourism industry here. The health and safety of Singaporeans, visitors and those who work in the tourism industry are STB’s priority, and we thank you for your continued support and understanding.
 

¹ Long terms pass holders include work passes, Student’s Pass, Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term visit pass.

² The SHN does not apply to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders transiting in Singapore without leaving the transit area.

³ From 27 March 2020, 0900 hours, the paper-based disembarkation/embarkation card will be discontinued. When entry for short-term visitors resumes in the future, such travellers will have to provide their arrival and departure information via the SGAC e-Service instead.

Annex A

List of Countries/Regions and Border Control Measures

Annex B

List of Essential Services Exempted from Suspension. For details please refer to MTI’s press release.

USEFUL LINKS