Oral Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran to Parliamentary Question on Modes of Transport for Travellers Arriving into Singapore While Waiting for Their COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction Test Results

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport

a.     whether travellers arriving into Singapore at all air, land and sea entry points who have yet to receive their COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test results are permitted to take modes of transport where they will be within 2 metres of drivers or other passengers; 

b.     if so, whether this practice risks community transmission of imported infections; and 

c.     whether these passengers can instead be provided dedicated transport to a Stay Home Notice dedicated facility with drivers wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     All travellers from high risk places are required to take dedicated transport to their assigned facility to serve their Stay Home Notice (SHN) while waiting for the results.

2.     To minimise the risk of cross infection and community spread, strict public health protocols are applied.

3.     First, these private charter buses only ferry travellers from the checkpoints to the SHN facility. No other passengers are allowed to board. After every trip, the buses are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

4.     Second, the bus drivers are are trained to don the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including an N95 face mask, the PPE gown and gloves. They are also fully vaccinated and subject to regular routine COVID-19 testing.

5.     Third, strict safe distancing measures are imposed. Travellers are not allowed to sit near the driver and occupy only the rear section of the vehicle. The number of travellers allowed on each bus is also limited to less than half its total capacity¹ to ensure adequate safe distancing between travellers.

6.     These measures are part of a multi-layered approach we take to protect our borders and frontline transport workers. In addition, all travellers from high-risk countries would need to have a negative PCR test, taken not more than 72 hours before boarding a plane, ferry or vehicle bound for Singapore.

7.     With the evolving nature of the virus, we regularly review the full suite of public health measures for international travellers, and to protect our frontline workers.

¹ For instance, for a 44 seat bus, up to 15 passengers are allowed on board from the checkpoint to the SHN facility. For an 18-21 seat bus, up to 8 passengers are allowed on board.