New Adjustments to Protocols for Managing Covid-19 Cases and Close Contacts
On February 16, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) announced updates to Singapore’s healthcare protocols in response to the evolving Covid-19 situation.
Protocol 2 Expansion
Starting from February 16, the patient group eligible for management under Protocol 2 has expanded. Previously, Protocol 2 applied to patients aged 5 to 69 years old and non-fully vaccinated patients aged 5 to 49 years old. Going forward, all individuals aged 3 to 69 years old, as well as fully vaccinated patients aged 70 to 79, will now be managed by their primary care doctors under Protocol 2. This protocol is designed for lower-risk individuals with mild symptoms.
Patients outside these age groups will continue to be managed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) through the Home Recovery Programme or in care facilities such as Covid-19 Treatment Facilities (CTF) or hospitals to preserve healthcare capacity for those requiring acute care. Individuals under Protocol 2 are advised to avoid visiting emergency departments and consult their primary care doctors or telemedicine providers if necessary.
Changes to Protocol 3 for Close Contacts
From February 18, two significant changes will be made to Protocol 3 regarding close contacts of Covid-19 cases. First, the Health Risk Warning (HRW) previously issued to close contacts will now be renamed the Health Risk Notice (HRN). The HRW was intended for a virus with a longer incubation period, but with the shorter incubation period of current variants, it is no longer as relevant or suitable. The HRN will serve as an advisory rather than a legally backed order, and individuals are encouraged to take more personal responsibility for their actions.
Second, the recommended self-monitoring period will be shortened from seven days to five days. This change reflects findings that individuals infected with the Omicron variant have a shorter incubation period. Regardless of whether they receive an HRN from MOH, individuals who know they have been exposed to a case are urged to follow Protocol 3, exercise social responsibility, and monitor their health.
The Ministry of Health encourages individuals to moderate their social activities, monitor for symptoms, and use an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kit before leaving the house, especially when visiting crowded places or interacting with vulnerable individuals. For those issued an HRN, ART kits can still be obtained through designated vending machines for self-testing during the monitoring period.
Additional requirements may be applied to close contacts in sectors such as healthcare, eldercare, and preschools to protect vulnerable individuals in these settings.
