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SINGAPORE: The negative COVID-19 test result that selected travelers from India must produce to enter Singapore must come from a “recognized” laboratory in India, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday (23 September). ).
These approved laboratories that process the results of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test must be “accredited or recognized internationally by the Indian government,” the ministry said, in response to inquiries from the CNA.
This pre-departure test applies to travelers who are not Singapore citizens or permanent residents.
All travelers from India allowed entry must provide a 14-day stay-at-home notice at a dedicated facility.
And starting Wednesday, these travelers will also need to take a serological test during the 14-day period.
Serological tests are tests that look for antibodies, made by the body to fight infection, in blood samples. The presence of antibodies will indicate whether a person has previously been infected with COVID-19.
As detailed on the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority website, some may also be required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test before their stay-at-home notice period ends, according to the results of the serological test.
The Health Ministry said there are two levels of verification for negative COVID-19 test results required to enter Singapore: at the Indian airport prior to boarding and at arrival immigration to Singapore.
“Travelers found without the required valid documents will be denied entry to Singapore,” the Health Ministry said, adding that those presenting forged documents to apply for entry to Singapore could be barred from entering the country in the future.
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Singapore’s multi-ministries working group dealing with COVID-19 announced on September 9 that as of September 17, travelers with a recent travel history to India who are not Singapore citizens or permanent residents will be required to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours. to leave.
The announcement came amid a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in India. Singapore had observed a significant number of imported cases with a history of recent travel to India, the Health Ministry said at the time.
The requirement applies to those arriving in Singapore after midnight on September 17, in addition to existing terms that require such travelers to provide a 14-day stay-at-home notice in dedicated facilities and a negative COVID-19 test. before the notice ends.
“This covers the entire incubation period of COVID-19 and has been effective in preventing the spread in our local community,” the Ministry of Health said.
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