Singapore tightens border measures, halts further easing of social measures over Omicron variant fears

These tightened restrictions will be in place for four weeks. - ST

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): The relaxation of social measures will be paused, and travellers entering Singapore will face stricter rules from 11.59pm on Thursday (Dec 2), as the country acts to buy time amid the spread of the new Omicron variant around the world.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Tuesday (Nov 30) that while no cases of Omicron - found in South Africa last week - have been detected locally, the pre-emptive measures are needed for Singapore to assess the implications of the new variant. They will also help to reduce the risk of importation of the virus.