Mission Updates

Update on COVID-19 on 8 Dec 2020

08 Dec 2020

We are coming to the end of a challenging 2020 that imposed changes to the way we live, school, work and interact. We are grateful for the opportunity to stay connected to the Singapore community in the United States.

As you make plans for the holiday season, please note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted that COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths remain significant in the US. In this regard, we would like to share some of the latest COVID-19 related information which you may find useful.

Wearing of Masks and Quarantine Period. The CDC recommends universal use of face masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19. It advises that masks should be worn for all indoor activity outside of an individual’s home as well as during all outdoor activity when social distancing cannot be practised. Within households, face masks should be used when a member of the household is infected or has had recent potential exposure. The CDC has shortened the recommended quarantine period for people in the US who have been exposed to the coronavirus from 14 days to 7-10 days. While CDC continues to endorse quarantine for 14 days, it acknowledges that the two-week duration may affect physical and mental health, cause economic hardship and reduce compliance. The CDC advises that you follow recommendations of your local public health authorities if you need to quarantine. More details can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Travel. The CDC advises that travel may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you travel, please take the necessary steps before, during and after travel to keep yourself and others from getting COVID-19. Do note the following:

• Check travel restrictions before you go. Follow all entry requirements for your destination and provide any required or requested health information.
• Get your flu shot before you travel.
• Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.
• Know when to delay your travel. Do not travel if you or your travel companions are sick.
• Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
• Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not from your travel group. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol). Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

In addition to the above, please note the following guidelines on testing and consult your local public health department on the latest requirements:

Travel to Singapore. There are currently two options for non-stop Singapore Airlines flights between the US and Singapore: from Los Angeles International Airport, California (LAX) and from John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK). Please click here to check the flight schedule. Singapore citizens/PRs returning to Singapore from the US are required to submit a health declaration (SG Arrival Card) three days prior to the date of arrival, serve the 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at a dedicated facility, and take a COVID-19 swab test during their SHN period. Please note that the cost for the COVID-19 swab test is chargeable for all travelers. The cost for stay at SHN dedicated facilities is chargeable for Singapore citizens/PRs who arrive in Singapore on/after 1 January 2021. Please visit this link to learn about the latest SHN and COVID19 swab test requirements for travelers.

The Singapore Embassy is available to answer queries and provide consular assistance at 202-537-3100. Some other useful links are consolidated here for easy reference:

We trust that you will have a safe and happy holiday season and wish you the best for the new year.