SINGAPORE — In light of the worsening Covid-19 situation in Singapore, all in-camp training (ICT) activities that are not essential to operations will be postponed with immediate effect, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said. 

These measures will be imposed until June 13, when the more stringent nationwide rules to curb the spread of Covid-19 are set to end. 

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will also perform Covid-19 swab tests for servicemen who enlist this month, Mindef said in a statement on Tuesday (May 18). 

Their trainers will also be tested for coronavirus to ensure that Basic Military Training can be carried out safely.

“These measures will continue,” Mindef added. 

ICT activities for operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) that are not vital to operations largely comprise vocational proficiency training and refresher sessions. These do not have an impact on the overall readiness of National Service (NS) units when postponed briefly, TODAY reported previously. 

Individual physical proficiency tests (IPPT) and NS fitness improvement training will also be suspended at fitness conditioning centres, Safra clubhouse gyms and public places. Affected NSmen will be granted a one-off waiver of their yearly IPPT requirement.

Mindef has also shut all its fitness conditioning centres, and cancelled, deferred or reduced the size of its planned large-scale events.

“As with other essential personnel, the vaccination programme for SAF personnel is making steady progress, with the majority of active forces expected to be vaccinated by the middle of the year,” it said.

“The SAF will continue to monitor the evolving Covid-19 situation and review the measures in place to keep our servicemen safe.”