Singapore has outrun other advanced economies on their way to complete vaccination. The island nation achieved 80 percent full vaccination, paving the way towards normalcy.
Singapore reaches 80% full vaccination
“We have crossed another milestone, where 80% of our population has received their full regimen of two doses. It means Singapore has taken another step forward in making ourselves more resilient to COVID-19,” stated Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s health minister. “It is the result of the collective effort of many people working behind the scenes, and the people of Singapore coming forward to take care of themselves and the people around them,” added Ye Kung.
Additionally, it also has one of the best vaccination rates in the world. The health ministry not only vaccinates people in designated centers but also has home vaccinations. “Every week, we continue to receive about 700 requests for home vaccinations. To meet the demand, and thanks to over 200 volunteer doctors and nurses, and also the assistance of SAF. We are tripling the number of home vaccination teams from 11 to 33 teams,” said the Health Minister. The ministry also expects to start vaccinations for children under the age of 12 in early 2022.
How will Singapore manage open borders?
Senior government officials of the country have clinched the 80 percent full vaccination achievement to a cautious strategy. They will soon use this to open up social and economic activities, including quarantine-free traveling. Taking notes from other countries with open borders, the country plans to keep low death rates and prevent new outbreaks.
However, as of now, Singapore has strict social distancing guidelines and restrictions compared to other countries. The government mandates a two-week quarantine at a local hotel to everyone arriving in the country. Additionally, all group gatherings are limited to a small number of five individuals.
