Singapore — On Monday (Jan 10), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that there are no current plans to introduce vaccinated-differentiated safe management measures (VDS) for children aged 12 and under.
“Children are less prone to severe illness when infected, and we aim to maintain universal access to a well-rounded education for all children,” stated Mr. Ong during a Parliamentary session.
Without these VDS measures, children will continue to have access to schools and public spaces regardless of their vaccination status. Additionally, Mr. Ong mentioned that if a child contracts COVID-19, the government will cover their medical expenses, regardless of whether or not they are vaccinated.
However, this provision applies only to Singapore citizens, permanent residents, or long-term pass holders, provided they have no recent travel history.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing also commented, saying that the Ministry of Education (MOE) would collaborate with parents to achieve a high vaccination rate and gradually reinstate more school activities. “The pace and extent of resuming school activities will be influenced by various factors, including vaccination rates and the broader national situation,” Mr. Chan explained.
The Ministry of Health had previously announced in December that VDS measures would not apply to this age group, emphasizing that the priority is to ensure children are protected through vaccination.
While VDS measures for other groups have been expanded to include more venues and activities, such as libraries, community centres, and certain activities run by the People’s Association, children are not currently affected. Starting February 1, VDS rules will extend to all indoor sports facilities, institutions of higher learning, and leisure guests in hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments.
Following this announcement, some online commentators speculated on when such measures might eventually be extended to children.
