The Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) with Qatar, Saudi Arabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be deferred until further notice as a precaution against the Omicron variant.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) made the announcement on 28 November.
The VTLs were originally planned to be kickstarted on 6 Decemvber, with applications for the Vaccinated Travel pass (VTP) to open today.
Variant of concern
The deferment comes as a precaution against the Omicron variant, with the World Health Organization classifying it as a variant of concern.
Scientists around the globe are at work at the moment trying to determine if the Omicron variant is more likely to lead to severe illnesses, as well as its transmissibility as compared to its Delta counterpart.
The Omicron variant hasn’t been detected thus far in Singapore.
MOH added that they are reviewing border measures and more details will be announced as they continue to adjust measures at the borders according to the global situation.
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