[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/destinations\/singapore\/masks-off-from-monday-except-on-trains-buses-and-in-hospitals-clinics-homes\/#NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/destinations\/singapore\/masks-off-from-monday-except-on-trains-buses-and-in-hospitals-clinics-homes\/","headline":"Masks off from Monday except on trains, buses, and in hospitals, clinics, homes","name":"Masks off from Monday except on trains, buses, and in hospitals, clinics, homes","description":"It is masks off from Monday (29 Aug) \u2014 finally \u2014 after having worn one or more for 28 months since April 2020 when it first became mandatory during the Covid-19 pandemic. The news was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally on Sunday (21 Aug), when he said, […]","datePublished":"2022-08-24","dateModified":"2022-08-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/editor1\/#Person","name":"Judith Tan","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/editor1\/","identifier":57,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/Judith-Tan-100x100.jpg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/Judith-Tan-100x100.jpg","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"TheHomeGround Asia","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","width":640,"height":640}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/Feature-Image-3.jpg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/Feature-Image-3.jpg","height":900,"width":1600},"url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/destinations\/singapore\/masks-off-from-monday-except-on-trains-buses-and-in-hospitals-clinics-homes\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xnb6xTMpjn4#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xnb6xTMpjn4","name":"NDR 2022: Masks to be optional in most places, including schools","description":"Follow us on YouTube: http:\/\/bit.ly\/FollowST\nRead the full story: https:\/\/str.sg\/wDq7\n\nMasks will soon be required only on public transport and in healthcare settings such as hospitals, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday (Aug 21).\n\nIn his National Day Rally speech, PM Lee said the Covid-19 situation in Singapore had stabilised, and that relaxing mask requirements would help prevent fatigue from setting in.\n\n\"But don't take off your masks this very moment,\" he said, as details will be announced by Singapore's Multi-Ministry Covid-19 taskforce. \n\nSUBSCRIBE \u27a4 http:\/\/bit.ly\/FollowST  \nTurn on notifications \ud83d\udd14 to stay updated\n--------------------\nWEBSITE \u27a4 https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\nFACEBOOK \u27a4 https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheStraitsTimes\nTIKTOK  \u27a4 https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@straitstimes\nINSTAGRAM \u27a4 https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/straits_times\nTWITTER \u27a4 https:\/\/twitter.com\/straits_times\nTELEGRAM \u27a4 https:\/\/t.me\/TheStraitsTimes\nPODCASTS \u27a4 https:\/\/str.sg\/stpodcasts\n\n#straitstimes #covid19","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/xnb6xTMpjn4\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/xnb6xTMpjn4\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/xnb6xTMpjn4\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/xnb6xTMpjn4\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/xnb6xTMpjn4\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2022-08-21T12:19:18+00:00","duration":"PT1M46S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xnb6xTMpjn4","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC4p_I9eiRewn2KoU-nawrDg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC4p_I9eiRewn2KoU-nawrDg","name":"The Straits Times","description":"Subscribe to The Straits Times\u2019 official YouTube channel.\n\nThe latest news and features from Singapore, Asia and beyond produced by The Straits Times.\n\nThe Straits Times, the English flagship daily of SPH Media, has been serving readers for over a century. Launched on July 15, 1845, its comprehensive coverage of local, regional and world news \u2014 from politics, business to sports and lifestyle \u2014 has made The Straits Times the most-read newspaper in Singapore.\n\nRead our community guidelines here: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/post\/UgympW0LmFVW8HWcnVR4AaABCQ\n\nWEBSITE \u27a4 https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\nWHATSAPP \u27a4 http:\/\/str.sg\/whatsapp\nTIKTOK  \u27a4 https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@straitstimes\nINSTAGRAM \u27a4 https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/straits_times\nFACEBOOK \u27a4 https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheStraitsTimes\nTWITTER \u27a4 https:\/\/twitter.com\/straits_times\nTELEGRAM \u27a4 https:\/\/t.me\/TheStraitsTimes\nPODCASTS \u27a4 https:\/\/str.sg\/stpodcasts\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_ldr-Sqf6ceT8nOEA2akHeCKJe8zMqWWdBSlPjWD8iIZUk=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xnb6xTMpjn4#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xnb6xTMpjn4#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xnb6xTMpjn4&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xnb6xTMpjn4#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":24954}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xnb6xTMpjn4#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":228}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c9wj89dY2oA#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c9wj89dY2oA","name":"Masks optional indoors in Singapore from Aug 29 except for public transport, healthcare settings","description":"From Aug 29, people in Singapore will not be required to wear a mask except on public transport and in healthcare facilities, announced Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at a multi-ministry taskforce news conference on Wednesday (Aug 24).\n\nMasks will still have to be worn on transport modes such as the MRT, LRT and public buses, as well as in indoor public transport facilities like boarding areas at bus interchanges and MRT platforms.\n\nBut they will be optional on taxis, school buses and private bus services. Here are more details: https:\/\/cna.asia\/3R7xnz2\n\nSubscribe to our channel here: https:\/\/cna.asia\/youtubesub \r\n\r\nSubscribe to our news service on Telegram: https:\/\/cna.asia\/telegram\r\n\r\nFollow us:\r\nCNA: https:\/\/cna.asia\r\nCNA Lifestyle: http:\/\/www.cnalifestyle.com \r\nFacebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/channelnewsasia\r\nInstagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/channelnewsasia\r\nTwitter: https:\/\/www.twitter.com\/channelnewsasia","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c9wj89dY2oA\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c9wj89dY2oA\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c9wj89dY2oA\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c9wj89dY2oA\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/c9wj89dY2oA\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2022-08-24T04:34:53+00:00","duration":"PT1M55S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/c9wj89dY2oA","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC83jt4dlz1Gjl58fzQrrKZg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC83jt4dlz1Gjl58fzQrrKZg","name":"CNA","description":"Welcome to the official CNA YouTube channel.\n\nBased in Singapore, CNA covers global developments with an Asian perspective. Come to us not just for the latest news, but also documentaries, expert analysis and stories behind the headlines.\n\nOur correspondents are based in major cities across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, as well as in New York, Washington D.C. and London.\n\nHit the subscribe button to be notified when we upload fresh news clips and documentaries on YouTube, or bookmark cna.asia for the top headlines, insightful reads and more videos.\n\nAnd tap on the Community tab and tell us what you\u2019d like to see more of! https:\/\/cna.asia","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_n00DzE39o-4IFJ07IP3gG__TMqKxXXbwYaARinwTXTDFM=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c9wj89dY2oA#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c9wj89dY2oA#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c9wj89dY2oA&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c9wj89dY2oA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":13953}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=c9wj89dY2oA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":105}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TqJyl2P_B7c#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TqJyl2P_B7c","name":"Chances of COVID-19 re-infection low, but Singapore should prep for Northern hemisphere winter wave","description":"Data in Singapore shows that the probability of being re-infected with COVID-19 eight months later is 5% compared to someone who has never gotten COVID-19 before.\n\nBut Singapore is on watch for new variants of concern and should prepare itself for a Northern hemisphere winter wave of COVID-19, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a news conference on Wednesday (Aug 24).\n\nSubscribe to our channel here: https:\/\/cna.asia\/youtubesub \r\n\r\nSubscribe to our news service on Telegram: https:\/\/cna.asia\/telegram\r\n\r\nFollow us:\r\nCNA: https:\/\/cna.asia\r\nCNA Lifestyle: http:\/\/www.cnalifestyle.com \r\nFacebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/channelnewsasia\r\nInstagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/channelnewsasia\r\nTwitter: https:\/\/www.twitter.com\/channelnewsasia","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TqJyl2P_B7c\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TqJyl2P_B7c\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TqJyl2P_B7c\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TqJyl2P_B7c\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/TqJyl2P_B7c\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2022-08-24T06:17:09+00:00","duration":"PT3M","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TqJyl2P_B7c","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC83jt4dlz1Gjl58fzQrrKZg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC83jt4dlz1Gjl58fzQrrKZg","name":"CNA","description":"Welcome to the official CNA YouTube channel.\n\nBased in Singapore, CNA covers global developments with an Asian perspective. Come to us not just for the latest news, but also documentaries, expert analysis and stories behind the headlines.\n\nOur correspondents are based in major cities across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, as well as in New York, Washington D.C. and London.\n\nHit the subscribe button to be notified when we upload fresh news clips and documentaries on YouTube, or bookmark cna.asia for the top headlines, insightful reads and more videos.\n\nAnd tap on the Community tab and tell us what you\u2019d like to see more of! https:\/\/cna.asia","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_n00DzE39o-4IFJ07IP3gG__TMqKxXXbwYaARinwTXTDFM=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TqJyl2P_B7c#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TqJyl2P_B7c#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TqJyl2P_B7c&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TqJyl2P_B7c#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":8040}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TqJyl2P_B7c#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":39}]}],"about":["Community","Health & Wellness","Local","Short Read","Singapore"],"wordCount":513,"keywords":["covid-19","DPM","Europe","Finance Minister","lawrence wong","Lee Hsien Loong","masks","MOH","MTF","ong ye kung","pandemic","PCR","Prime Minister","SHN","United Kingdom","United States","vaccination"],"articleBody":"It is masks off from Monday (29 Aug) \u2014 finally \u2014 after having worn one or more for 28 months since April 2020 when it first became mandatory during the Covid-19 pandemic.The news was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally on Sunday (21 Aug), when he said, \u201cWith our situation stabilising, we will reduce the mask requirements further to prevent people from getting tired.\u201dAnnouncing the details at a media conference held by the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Wednesday (24 Aug) that masks will still have to be worn on public transport such as the MRT, LRT and public buses, as well as in indoor public transport facilities like boarding areas at bus interchanges and MRT platforms.The dorning of masks are also mandatory in healthcare facilities, residential care homes and ambulances, including the indoor premises within hospitals and polyclinics.Mask-wearing in the airport and on private transportation such as school buses, private bus services and taxis will be optional. The move will make Singapore one of the first countries in Asia to ease indoor mask-wearing. Currently, residents are only allowed to remove their masks outdoors.This further easing of Covid-19 rules comes as the population has become more resilient against the virus, due to high vaccination rates and more people getting infected, the Health Ministry said.\u00a0The number of infections has also declined steadily.Even so, Mr Wong urged the elderly and those who are immunocompromised to continue wearing masks in crowded indoor settings to reduce their risk of catching the virus.Mr Wong, who co-heads the multi-ministry task force, cautioned that while the pandemic situation has improved, Singaporeans must be mentally prepared for any sudden change as the next Covid-19 variant may be more aggressive and dangerous.Health Minister Ong Ye Kung added that Singapore should prepare itself for a “northern hemisphere winter wave” at the end of the year, which the United States, United Kingdom and Europe are all bracing for.Vaccination remains Singapore’s primary line of defence, said the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force.Not fully-vaccinated travellers no longer need to be quarantinedFrom Monday, travellers who are not fully vaccinated will no longer need to serve a seven-day isolation period when they arrive, but they will still need to test negative two days before arriving in Singapore. They will have to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon exiting stay home notice (SHN) but they will continue to need a negative pre-departure test taken within two days of departing for Singapore.Those who are vaccinated are currently allowed to enter Singapore without testing or quarantine.Also from Monday, non-fully vaccinated long-term pass holders and short-term visitors aged 13 and above will not have to apply for entry approval to enter Singapore.Mr Wong, who is also the Finance Minister, said the relaxation of measures was a \u201csignificant milestone\u201d in Singapore\u2019s journey towards living with the virus.RELATED: Opinion: Masks optional; Smiles optimalJoin the conversations on TheHomeGround Asia\u2019s\u00a0Facebook\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram, and get the latest updates via\u00a0Telegram."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Destinations","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/destinations\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Singapore","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/destinations\/\/singapore\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Masks off from Monday except on trains, buses, and in hospitals, clinics, homes","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/destinations\/singapore\/masks-off-from-monday-except-on-trains-buses-and-in-hospitals-clinics-homes\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]