It seems that we’ve finally reached the stage of self-reliance.

According to the Ministry of Health, any company or individual will be able to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at official suppliers from 1 December onwards.

Which means to say;

You will no longer require permission from MOH to go for a Covid-19 test.

It’s all up to you now.

From 1 Dec, Anyone Can Go for a COVID-19 Test Even If He’s Not Sick

The announcement was made by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong at a multi-ministry task force virtual press conference.

Applicable individuals include those who require pre-departure testing before they leave the nation.

According to Mr Gan, around 600 clinics and healthcare providers will be available for PCR testing.

The move follows a possible unveiling of Phase 3 in the near future, during which the number of community cases may increase – due to the allowance of more activities.

In light of that prediction, the Ministry has decided to prioritise accessibility, and “step up” their testing game. After all, remember: if you want to go sing K, you need to be tested first.

“We know that timely COVID-19 testing, when complemented with safe distancing and safe management measures, is a formidable weapon against the pandemic,” Mr Gan said. “Testing is therefore a critical enabler and key strategy in our fight against COVID-19.”

“Over the months, we have been enhancing our testing capabilities and extending testing to more community groups. To support a wider range of needs as we resume more economic and community activities, we will now make COVID-19 testing more accessible.”

And Education Minister + Face of the fight against COVID-19 Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force, was firm in reiterating the ministry’s belief.

“We have to be mentally prepared for that and be ready to ensure that even if the local cases in the community were to rise, they do not form large clusters that are out of control. The key to doing that is to step up our testing capabilities, which we are doing, and now we are making testing more accessible to everyone,” he added.

However, he conceded that even with such preparation methods readied beforehand, it’s impossible to prevent cases from going up altogether.

“People dining in groups of eight, weddings of larger sizes, places of worship with larger gatherings, events with a larger (number of) people coming together. With all of these activities in Phase 3, the risks of clusters forming will go up. It is inevitable, as we have seen in countries everywhere around the world.”

Phase 3

Singapore may enter Phase 3 by the end of the year, provided community cases remain low and testing and contact tracing measures intensify.

It’s expected to last for around a year.

Singapore is projected to exit Phase 3 only when the rest of the world has controlled the virus, or when effective treatments or vaccines are widely available.

Lest you’re not aware, just today, there has been some goody news about vaccines. YOu can read this article and this article to see light at the end of the tunnel.

During Phase 3, social gatherings of up to 8 people may be permitted.

Households may also receive up to 8 visitors.

And though nightlife businesses were previously ruled out of the equation, that stance has since been rectified to include a limited number of nightlife establishments.

They will be allowed to reopen with COVID-19 safety measures in place under a pilot programme.

The pilot programme for pubs and bars will start by December 2020, while KTV lounges and nightclubs will open in January 2021.

However, these businesses will have to open under strict guidelines.

For one, every patron must wear masks at all times unless they’re eating or drinking, and alcohol cannot be consumed after 10:30pm.

For two, patrons of nightclubs and KTV lounges must test negative for COVID-19 24 hours prior to the end of the activity at the nightlife establishment.

The tests must either be a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or an antigen rapid test (ART).

Vaccine

Meanwhile, Singapore has received an early Christmas present in the form of a vaccine.

Or at least, pre-emptive talks of a vaccine.

According to ST, Singapore might get its hands on vaccines as early as early-2021, following positive preliminary results from early clinical trials.

Should a vaccine be available, the vulnerable would get it first, followed by the healthcare staff who take care of Covid-19 patients.

It will then be gradually rolled out to the rest of the population.

You can read this article on why it takes so long to develop a safe vaccine.

Featured Image: aslysun / Shutterstock.com