China coronavirus: all travellers from China to undergo temperature screening at Singapore’s Changi Airport
- While no cases have been reported in Singapore yet, the country’s Ministry of Health said move was a precautionary measure
- Individuals with pneumonia and travel history to Wuhan within 14 days before the onset of symptoms will be isolated
From Wednesday, all inbound travellers arriving at Changi Airport on flights from China will have to undergo temperature screening.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement on Monday it is taking this precautionary measure in light of the increase in cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan and exported cases to other cities and countries, as well as the anticipated increase in travel volume ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.
Individuals with pneumonia and travel history to Wuhan within 14 days before the onset of symptoms will be isolated in a hospital as a precautionary measure to prevent transmission, and investigated.
This is in addition to the other precautionary measures that MOH has put in place since the beginning of the year. From the evening of January 3, temperature screening has been implemented at Changi Airport for inbound travellers arriving on flights from Wuhan, and suspect cases have been referred to hospitals for further assessment.
Health advisory posters have also been put up at Changi Airport to advise all travellers on the precautionary measures to take when travelling to or arriving from Wuhan.
The ministry's statement comes as it reported the seventh suspected case – a 44-year-old female Singapore resident with pneumonia who had travel history to Wuhan.
She has been admitted for further assessment and treatment, and isolated as a precautionary measure.
She did not visit the Huanan seafood wholesale market associated with the cluster of pneumonia in Wuhan, MOH said.
Meanwhile, investigations on the 52-year-old male Singapore resident reported on January 18 have found that the case is not linked to the pneumonia cluster in Wuhan. The case has tested negative for coronavirus.
“To date, there have been no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus reported in Singapore,” MOH said in its statement.
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“However, given that Singapore is a travel hub, we expect to see more suspect cases, and cannot rule out the possibility of imported cases.
“Once a case is confirmed, contact tracing will be initiated, and we will implement strict isolation, quarantine, and infection control and prevention measures to prevent further transmission.”
MOH urges the public to remain vigilant and to adopt good personal hygiene practices.
All travellers to Wuhan should monitor their health closely and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell, and also tell their doctor of their travel history.
MOH also advised travellers and members of the public to adopt the following precautions at all times:
- Avoid contact with live animals including poultry and birds, and consumption of raw and undercooked meats
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness
- Observe good personal hygiene
- Practise frequent hand washing with soap (e.g. before handling food or eating, after going to toilet, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing)
- Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose
- Cover your mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and dispose the soiled tissue paper in the rubbish bin immediately
- Seek medical attention promptly if you are feeling unwell
