Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore (2021)

The year 2021 in Singapore saw a fluctuating COVID-19 situation, marked by periods of relative stability interspersed with outbreaks driven by new variants. The government responded with evolving safe management measures, vaccination drives, and testing protocols.

January - February:

• Singapore remained in Phase 3 of its reopening, with ongoing vaccinations targeting healthcare workers and essential personnel. Border controls remained strict.
• Case numbers were relatively low, mostly imported cases detected through mandatory testing and quarantine measures.
• The government began planning for a broader vaccination rollout to the general public.

March - April:

• The national vaccination program accelerated, with priority given to older adults and vulnerable groups.
• Concerns arose about the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and their potential impact.
• Some minor adjustments were made to safe management measures.

May:

• A cluster emerged at Changi Airport, leading to tightened safe management measures, including a return to Phase 2 ("Heightened Alert"). This included restrictions on social gatherings, dining-in, and working from the office.
• Increased testing was implemented, and contact tracing efforts were intensified.
• The government emphasized the importance of vaccination to protect against severe illness.

June:

• Safe management measures were gradually eased as the Changi Airport cluster was brought under control.
• Vaccination eligibility was expanded to younger age groups.
• Discussions began on a potential transition to living with COVID-19 as an endemic disease, focusing on vaccination and managing severe cases.

July - August:

• A new wave of infections, driven by the Delta variant, emerged.
• Safe management measures were tightened again, with a return to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) conditions.
• The government ramped up vaccination efforts, aiming for high levels of population coverage.
• Home recovery for vaccinated individuals with mild or no symptoms was introduced.

September - October:

• Singapore continued to grapple with the Delta variant surge.
• The healthcare system came under pressure.
• Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) were introduced with select countries, allowing vaccinated individuals to travel without quarantine.
• Booster shots were offered to older adults and those with compromised immune systems.

November - December:

• The Omicron variant emerged globally, raising concerns about its transmissibility and potential impact on vaccine effectiveness.
• Singapore tightened border measures in response to the Omicron variant.
• The booster vaccination program was expanded to more age groups.
• The government continued to emphasize the importance of vaccination, booster shots, and personal responsibility in managing the pandemic.
• The year ended with Singapore cautiously navigating the Omicron wave and preparing for a potential surge in cases.

Throughout 2021, Singapore's approach to the pandemic evolved in response to changing circumstances, prioritizing vaccination, safe management measures, and a gradual reopening of the economy and society.