Singapore may relax curbs for vaccinated travellers as WEF nears

 

People take photos at an empty Merlion Park amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, at the central business district in Singapore, December 14, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su/Files

 

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore said on Monday it will consider relaxing travel restrictions for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, including for those planning to visit the city-state for the World Economic Forum (WEF) in May.

 

The Southeast Asian business and tourism hub has largely banned leisure travel because of the pandemic, and has limited business and official travel agreements with certain countries. Most returning residents have to isolate in designated hotels or at home for up to two weeks.

 

"If there is clear evidence that transmission risks can be lowered significantly (by vaccines), we will certainly consider some relaxation to the SHN (stay home notice) regime for vaccinated travellers," the co-head of the government’s virus taskforce, Lawrence Wong, said in parliament.

 

The rich island nation, which has largely eradicated the disease locally, last week became one of the first countries in Asia to embark on a national inoculation programme.

 

Government studies show nearly 60% of people are willing to be vaccinated, the health ministry said on Monday. But some have expressed hesitation due to the low risk of infection in Singapore and concern about any possible side effects from rapidly developed vaccines.

 

Wong said restrictions could also be reviewed for vaccinated travellers for the WEF, which usually attracts thousands of politicians, business people and celebrities from around the world.

 

The annual gathering has been moved from its usual home in Davos, Switzerland, because of virus fears in Europe.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2021-01-04

 

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Is this left elitist cocktail party so essential that it can't just be cancelled for 1 or 2 years? ????

Finely a country with brains! But maybe you should have a rethink on Chinese or Russian vaccines as they might not be so effective as others.

I was of the opinion the vaccine protected the person vaccinated from contracting a severe form of the disease......it doesn't prevent them from transmitting the disease...or at least that element is not proven yet?

7 minutes ago, Surelynot said:

I was of the opinion the vaccine protected the person vaccinated from contracting a severe form of the disease......it doesn't prevent them from transmitting the disease...or at least that element is not proven yet?

Not proven yet because they did not study it. But it is highly likely. 

1 minute ago, robblok said:

Not proven yet because they did not study it. But it is highly likely. 

So quite a risk for Singapore to take??

Just now, Surelynot said:

So quite a risk for Singapore to take??

I read they MAY do it IF 

"If there is clear evidence that transmission risks can be lowered significantly (by vaccines)