Wearing of mask in indoor settings to be optional by 29 August

The new mask rule does not cover public transportation.

Starting 29 August, wearing of mask in indoor settings will be optional in Singapore.

According to the Ministry of Health, the mask requirement will be removed as infection numbers in the country have "steadily declined across all age groups since July," whilst the week-on-week infection ratio has likewise fallen below 0.7.

The MOH, however, clarified that masks wearing will still be required when entering healthcare facilities, residential care homes, ambulances, and when riding public transportation.

This means that the public will still need to wear masks in retail, food and beverages (F&B) outlets, common areas and other facilities within the hospital or polyclinic building.

Public transportation meanwhile covers MRT/LRT and public buses, and indoor public transport facilities like boarding areas within bus interchanges and MRT platforms.

When riding school buses, private bus services and taxis, mask-wearing will be optional.

Whilst mask wearing will no longer be mandatory in many settings, the MOH still asked the public to exercise responsibility and caution by wearing masks in crowded places, or when visiting or interacting with vulnerable persons.