Singapore is making COVID-19 vaccinations free for all citizens and long-term residents currently residing in the country.
In a live speech on Monday, December 14, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that with the first vaccines now coming into production, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for pandemic use.
"The first shipment should arrive by the end of this month, making Singapore one of the first countries to obtain this vaccine," he noted.
Other vaccines are expected to arrive in Singapore in the coming months. "If all goes according to plan, we will have enough vaccines for everyone in Singapore by third quarter 2021," PM Lee said.
He encouraged Singapore citizens and long-term residents to get themselves vaccinated. "The more of us are vaccinated, the harder it will be for the virus to spread, and the safer we will all be as a society."
PM Lee also announced the transition into Phase 3 from December 28 in his speech.
COVID-19 restrictions will be eased, including capacity limits in public places such as malls and attractions, and at places of worship. Groups of up to eight will be able to congregate, an increase from the current maximum of five.
