Starting from December 8th, the city-state of Singapore will deny access to free Covid healthcare to those who refuse to get vaccinated. The Government will continue to cover the cost of treatment for those who have received the jab or those unable to, such as children under 12 years-old. The MailOnline has the story.
The Government had always covered the medical bills of those who are fully vaccinated, under 12, or medically ineligible for the jab.
Singapore has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world with more than 85% of the population fully vaccinated.
But the city-state’s healthcare system is struggling under the strain of a fierce outbreak, reporting around 2,000 to 3,000 cases a day and a handful of deaths.
Those affected will still be able to use regular financing arrangements to cover the cost, such as private insurance…
The Health Minister said partially vaccinated residents will not be charged for hospital care until after December 31st, giving them enough time to get the second jab.
And medically ineligible patients can from November 15th visit any certified medical practitioner to get an exemption card to prove why they have not had the vaccine.
The Government is also working on an automated system to streamline checks for medically ineligible residents to enter venues without having to show paper documentation.
But the Health Ministry warned unvaccinated residents to minimise their time in the community to avoid catching or spreading Covid.
The Ministry said: “While we have extended a concession to those who are medically ineligible to be able to dine-in, enter malls and participate in activities where required, they remain unvaccinated and their risk of becoming infected with Covid and/or becoming severely ill remains real and very high.
“We strongly encourage these individuals to minimise such activities and to use this concession judiciously.”
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