It’s hard to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 updates and restrictions these days — some might not even want to, given the undulating changes we’ve all had to navigate relentlessly over the past two years. As of the time of writing (17 November 2021), here are six latest essential updates you need to know.
1. New Covid-19 ART Kits possibly below S$5
The current price of self-testing COVID-19 ART kits average about S$20 for two kits, but they’re about to get even more affordable at possibly below S$5 per kit. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has authorised the use of Flowflex ART kits for self-test, confirming more options in the market for Singaporeans soon.
The kits will be priced well under S$10, hopefully below S$5, subject to commercial decisions.
2. 2 Pfizer doses + 1 Moderna vaccine cocktail provides the most protection
It was found that regardless of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, taking a booster shot helps to further reduce the risk of infection by 60 per cent.
Here’s the rundown of the efficacy of each vaccine cocktail combination:
-2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech + 1 Moderna booster shot: Further reduction in infection risk by 72 per cent.
-2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech + 1 Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot: Further reduction in infection risk by 62 per cent.
-2 doses of Moderna + 1 Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot: Sample size not large enough to generate a meaningful statistic.
3. COVID-19 pill slated to arrive in Singapore
Once approved, the pill that has shown great promise in preventing the possibility of dying or hospitalisation for those most at risk of contracting severe COVID-19, will arrive in Singapore once approved. Singapore has already put in a purchase order for the drug. More info on the pill here.
4. The VTL list grows
As the COVID-19 situation eases up globally, the list of countries on the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) to and from Singapore is also expanding. The VTLs with India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Finland, and Sweden from 29 November 2021, and with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates from 6 December 2021 are the latest to be added.
5. Vaccine trials for children, participants to be compensated
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) is currently in the midst of recruiting children for the COVID-19 vaccine trials. The participants will be reimbursed, though it is still unclear what that covers. The dosage for children is expected to be about a third of a normal dosage.
The requirements to partake in the study are:
-To be a child aged between five and 11 years old
-Have plans to take the COVID-19 vaccination
-Have had no history of COVID-19 infection
6. Slightly relaxed dining measures
As of Monday (15 November 2021), up to five individuals from the same household are permitted to dine in hawker centres & coffeeshops once VDS checks are ready. This is an increase from the previous 2-pax rule at hawker centres and coffeeshops, regardless of relational status.
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