[MichaelWinn]

SINGAPORE: "Fast lane" travellers returning to Singapore may appeal for swab tests in place of the mandated 14-day stay-home notice (SHN) they would have to serve when they are back in the country, said Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing on Monday (Jun 15).

A "fast lane" arrangement was set up by Singapore and China to facilitate essential travel between the two countries for business and official purposes.

"While many have welcomed the establishment of the Singapore-China fast lane arrangements, some have asked if it is possible to have alternate arrangements to the 14-day SHN," said Mr Chan in a Facebook post.

"On a case-by-case basis, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) is prepared to consider appeals for swab test arrangements in place of the 14-day SHN for returning fast lane users."

Appeals can be made via email to MTI, he added.

CNA has reached out to MTI to ask about the criteria under which such exceptions may be made.

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT
READ: All travellers coming into Singapore to be tested before stay-home notice ends
The "fast lane" arrangement was launched on Jun 8, and involves Singapore and six Chinese provinces or municipalities: Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Approved travellers must take a COVID-19 swab test within 48 hours before departure as well as upon arrival, after which they need not be quarantined, but must remain isolated for one to two days while waiting for COVID-19 test results.

Travellers must also stick to a controlled itinerary that is supervised by the host company or government agency for the first 14 days.

Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders returning to Singapore from China will be issued with a 14-day stay-home notice.

READ: Business and official