Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced earlier today (24 August) that with effect from 29 August onwards, mask-wearing will not be required anymore, except for on public transport and in healthcare facilities.
Speaking at a press conference for the multi-ministry task force, DPM Wong said that masks will still have to be worn on public transport, as well as in indoor public transport facilities like MRT platforms and bus interchange boarding areas.
However, they will not be required at MRT and LRT stations, naturally ventilated bus interchanges and in the retail areas of bus interchanges, as well as airports.
MOH also added in a press release on Wednesday that masks will also be optional on taxis, school buses and private bus services.
Wong touched on this, saying that “The taxi driver can suggest (or) request” but there is “no basis of law for the taxi driver to say you have to, it’s optional.”
Mask wearing will continue to be required in residential care homes such as welfare and elderly homes, hospitals, healthcare facilities and ambulances.
Wearing of masks on flights, on the other hand, will depend on the rules and laws of the destination country, as well as the carrier.