Janil Puthucheary on COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment) Bill

Singapore has made significant progress against COVID-19 and emerged more resilient. It now has a high level of hybrid immunity in the population, has stepped down its national alert level to DORSCON Green and treats COVID-19 like other endemic infectious diseases. However, it must ensure that it can react swiftly to any new and dangerous COVID-19 variants should they emerge. A Bill was passed in Parliament on Monday (Mar 6) to extend the validity of a section of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 for one year. This will allow targeted public health measures to be implemented if needed, to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said a review of the Infectious Diseases Act is underway to incorporate the necessary provisions, so that it can be relied on to manage new variants of concern or new pandemics. The amendments will be tabled in Parliament in the second half of this year and once they are passed, the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act will be revoked.