Singapore to deny entry of recent travellers from S. Korea, northern Italy and Iran

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Singapore decided on Tuesday to bar travelers who have been to South Korea, northern Italy, and Iran within the last 14 days from entering or transiting through Singapore, as part of its effort to guard against the COVID-19.

Singapore's Multi-Ministry Taskforce set up to fight against the contagious virus made the announcement concerning the travelers to the above-mentioned places, which have seen a surge in the number of confirmed cases. It will become effective starting from 11:59 p.m. local time on Wednesday (March 4).

Moreover, Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-term pass holders (including work passes, Student's Pass, Dependent's Pass and Long-term Visit Pass) with recent travel history to these places within the last 14 days will have to remain in their place of residence at all times for a 14-day period after returning to Singapore.

Singapore's Ministry of Health has expanded the definition of suspect COVID-19 cases to include persons with pneumonia or severe respiratory infection with breathlessness who had been to Iran, northern Italy, Japan, and South Korea within 14 days before the onset of symptoms. Cases meeting the expanded definition will be taken to hospitals for further assessment, MOH said in a statement.

In another development, from 11:59 p.m. local time on Wednesday, all travelers entering Singapore and exhibiting fever and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness but who do not meet the clinical suspect case definition may be required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at the checkpoint. They may carry on with their journey immediately after the test and will be notified of the test results later. Those with positive results will be sent to the hospital in a dedicated ambulance, MOH added.

Short-term visitors who don't comply will not be granted entry into Singapore. Singapore Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders who refuse testing or cannot be contacted subsequently may face penalties.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)