except on public transport and in healthcare facilities
On Monday, August 29th, Singaporeans will no longer be required to wear masks except on public transportation and in healthcare facilities, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong declared on Wednesday (Aug 24).
Mr. Wong, addressing at a press conference conducted by the COVID-19 multi-ministry task group, stated that masks will continue to be required on public transport modes such as the MRT, LRT, and public buses, as well as indoor public transport facilities such as bus interchanges and MRT platforms.
However, they will not be necessary at airports, naturally ventilated bus interchanges, and the retail portions of bus interchanges, MRT and LRT stations.
Masks will be optional on taxis, school buses, and private bus services, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a separate press release on Wednesday.
Healthcare establishments, residential care homes, and ambulances will continue to demand the use of face masks. These include shelters and houses for the elderly, as well as places for those with disabilities.
On flights, mask-wearing restrictions would rely on the destination country's legislation as well as the airline, according to the head of medical services at the Department of Health, Kenneth Mak.
Last Sunday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong initially announced the relaxation of Singapore's mask-wearing requirements during his National Day Rally speech.
Mr. Wong stated on Wednesday that masks will continue to be needed on public transportation and in healthcare institutions because these are "areas where important services are provided in confined and congested places, and where vulnerable individuals regularly congregate."
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