As of midnight on May 30, a new regulation mandates that Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs) must present a negative Covid-19 test before returning from high-risk countries. Infectious disease experts see this measure as beneficial for protecting airport staff and potentially easing the strain on Singapore’s healthcare system amid a recent rise in community cases.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that from 11:59 PM on May 29, all returning Singaporeans and PRs must provide a valid negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours of departure. This marks the first time such a requirement has been instituted for these individuals.

While the initiative aims to minimize Covid-19 transmission risks, it poses challenges. Some legal experts have questioned the constitutionality of the new rule.

Key Points of the New Requirement
Testing Mandate: All returning Singaporeans and PRs must present a negative PCR test at checkpoints, with exceptions for travelers from lower-risk regions like Australia and New Zealand, and children under six years old.

Impact on Travelers: Experiences from those living abroad indicate mixed feelings. For instance, Fin Chua, residing in Thailand, expressed concerns over the difficulties in obtaining a timely PCR test due to long wait times and limited availability. Conversely, Cheryl Wong in New York noted the ease of accessing testing services there.

Health Expert Opinions: Infectious disease physician Ling Li Min acknowledged that while mandatory pre-departure tests might not catch every case, they are crucial in identifying infectious individuals and preventing them from boarding flights.

Legal and Logistical Considerations: Experts such as Benjamin Joshua Ong raised concerns about the potential constitutional implications of denying citizens entry based on their ability to secure a test. Others suggested that the testing requirement could introduce additional hurdles, particularly for those in areas with limited testing capacity.

Government’s Role: MOH clarified that travelers who test positive overseas can still return to Singapore via medical evacuation. The emphasis remains on ensuring that citizens are not left stranded during medical emergencies.

Overall, while the new testing requirement aims to safeguard public health, its implementation is complex and raises various legal, logistical, and ethical questions as Singapore navigates the ongoing pandemic.