No Daily Covid-19 Infection Tracking, No Contact Tracing: Singapore Ministers Write About How ‘A New Norm’ May Look Like

Eighteen months after Covid-19 pandemic's onset and with the increasing coverage of vaccination doses, ministers co-chairing Singapore's Covid-19 task force have come out with how the government's response will change in the coming months.

The task force consists of Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong and Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.

Stating that vaccination was key, the ministers said that the island state will aim to have two-thirds of the population vaccinated with at least one dose. In the op-ed jointly attributed to them, they cite Israel's success with vaccination and that booster shots may be needed in the future to battle new mutant strains.

In future, the ministers say that there will be rigorous testing at borders but at a domestic level 'testing will be less of a tool for ring-fencing and quarantining people exposed to infected persons. Instead, it would be to ensure that events, social activities, and overseas trips can take place safely; as well as to reduce transmission risks, especially to those who are vulnerable to infections.'

On the type of testing required, they say that relying exclusively on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests may not be enough, and that rapid antigen tests kits, and a newer variety of test kits such as breathalysers, will be rolled out in airports, office buildings, malls, hospitals, and educational institutions.

Elaborating on how the government will shift its focus in the fight against Covid-19, the ministers have put forth five broad ways in which the new norm will be different from the current set of actions and emphasis.

First, there would be fewer worries about health care infra saturation as most infected people can recover at home - thanks to vaccination.

Second, there may not be any need for massive contact tracing or quarantine of contacts. Antigen kits will make it possible for people to quickly test and isolate themselves.

Third, the government will focus on outcomes instead of infection numbers. Instead of case count, the government will instead look at treatment requirements (ICU, oxygen requirements, and so on).

Fourth, there will be a progressive easing of restrictions on large gatherings, events and festivals.

Lastly, travel will resume. Countries will recognise each other's vaccination certificates and travellers will be exempted from quarantine.

The ministers also said that the government there was drawing up a roadmap to transition to this new normal and that this would be a long-drawn affair. They also add that every pandemic has its course, and that science and human ingenuity will eventually prevail over Covid-19.