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Singapore could lift remaining Covid-19 rules if situation stays stable despite risks from China's infection surge, year-end travel: PM Lee

SINGAPORE — If the Covid-19 situation remains stable despite risks from year-end travel and the surge in cases in China, Singapore will be able to take the final steps to lift remaining social restrictions to establish post-pandemic normalcy, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday (Dec 31).

In his new year message, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Government is watching the Covid-19 situation closely.
In his new year message, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Government is watching the Covid-19 situation closely.
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  • In his new year message, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlined the post-pandemic normalcy Singapore regained in 2022 and the challenges that still lie ahead
  • If the Covid-19 situation remains stable Singapore will be able to take the final steps to lift remaining social restrictions, he said
  • Singapore's experience with Covid-19 has taught the Government valuable lessons for future crises, and so the Republic will enhance its preparedness for future pandemics and strengthen its healthcare system and community networks, he added

SINGAPORE — If the Covid-19 situation remains stable despite risks from year-end travel and the surge in cases in China, Singapore will be able to take the final steps to lift remaining social restrictions to establish post-pandemic normalcy, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday (Dec 31).

In his new year message, Mr Lee said the Government is watching the Covid-19 situation closely, as he urged everyone to keep their vaccinations current and stay protected with the latest bivalent vaccines.

While Singapore has lifted most Covid-19 restrictions, a few remain, such as the wearing of masks in healthcare settings and on public transport. 

On the economic front, Mr Lee said that the international outlook remains troubled as he pointed out how the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues "with no good outcome in sight" and United States-China tensions are likely to persist.

He added that how quickly China recovers from Covid-19 remains to be seen, while the US and European Union may well enter recession.

These developments will affect Singapore's economy, he said, with the Ministry of Trade and Industry expecting slower growth in 2023 of between 0.5 and 2.5 percent.

"We must brace ourselves for the uncertainties ahead," Mr Lee said. "In such testing times, we must above all stay united as one people."

He noted that Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the fourth generation team of political leaders have been busy with the Forward Singapore discussions, a national conversation exercise aimed at refreshing the Republic's social compact and charting new directions forward.

Many Singaporeans have gone beyond actively sharing their feedback and views, and stepped forward to volunteer in areas where they can contribute and partner with the Government, he said, adding that the exercise will be completed in the second half of next year.

In his speech, Mr Lee also spoke about how Singapore has "a lot to be thankful for" in 2022, as after battling Covid-19 for nearly three years, things are getting back to normal. 

He noted that Singaporeans can again celebrate festivals and reunite with family and friends at home and abroad, with Changi Airport now "buzzing with life".

Also, he pointed out how the country resumed hosting flagship international events, including the Shangri-La Dialogue and the Singapore Grand Prix again, sending a strong signal that "Singapore is back in business".

He added that Singapore's experience with Covid-19 has taught the Government valuable lessons for future crises, and so the Republic will enhance its preparedness for future pandemics and strengthen its healthcare system and community networks.

But providing healthcare and social services for a rapidly ageing population will require considerable resources, Mr Lee pointed out, which is why the Goods and Service Tax (GST) rate has to be raised to help finance the healthcare budget.

As part of a staggered approach, the GST will go up from 7 per cent to 8 per cent from Sunday (Jan 1), and to 9 per cent from Jan 1, 2024.

Mr Lee said that the Government is implementing a comprehensive package to cushion the effects of GST hike and inflation on Singaporeans, with more help coming in the new year.

He added that the Government will plan and build for Singapore's future through infrastructure works such as Tuas Port and Changi Airport Terminal 5.

Summing up, Mr Lee said Singapore's Covid-19 response has enhanced its international standing, and the Republic must seize the moment, by welcoming promising investments and talents of all nationalities while building up local skills and capabilities and venturing forth in the region and the world.

"Even the darkest of clouds have silver linings, but only for those bold enough to seize opportunities," Mr Lee said. "We have weathered the pandemic safely and emerged stronger." 

 

 

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