Rationale for Differentiated COVID-19 Testing Approach between Travellers Arriving at Changi Airport and at Causeway
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the rationale for using antigen rapid tests (ART) for land travellers from Malaysia while requiring polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for those arriving via air. Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong stated that both countries bilaterally agreed that on-arrival ARTs were sufficient for land travel based on public health and practical considerations. He highlighted additional safeguards, such as mandatory vaccination and a rigorous seven-day testing regime, to facilitate early detection and minimize community transmission risks. As of 31 December 2021, only 27 positive cases were identified out of approximately 28,000 travellers who entered via the Vaccinated Travel Lane (Land). The government will continue to monitor the public health situation and adjust testing requirements for the Vaccinated Travel Lane if necessary.
Transcript
88 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Trade and Industry why is there a differentiated testing approach between travellers arriving at Changi Airport via the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (using the polymerase chain test) and those arriving via the Causeway (using the antigen rapid test).
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangement with Malaysia was launched on 29 November 2021. In consultation with the Ministries of Health of Singapore and Malaysia, both countries agreed bilaterally that it is sufficient for VTL (Land) travellers to undergo an on-arrival antigen rapid test (ART) instead of a polymerase chain (PCR) test, taking into account public health and practical considerations.
In addition to the on-arrival test, there are multiple safeguards to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. All VTL (Land) travellers, except children aged 12 years and below, are required to be fully vaccinated. All travellers, except children aged two years and below, are also subject to a stringent testing regime, comprising a pre-departure PCR test or ART, a self-administered ART on Days 2, 4, 5 and 6 of their arrival and a supervised self-administered ART on Days 3 and 7. These measures facilitate the early detection of COVID-19 cases and minimise public health risks to the community.
As of 31 December 2021, 27 COVID-19 positive cases were detected, out of around 28,000 incoming travellers who entered under the VTL (Land).
We will continue to monitor the public health situation and adjust the testing regime for the VTL, if necessary.