Temperature screening to be implemented at Changi Airport for travellers from Wuhan

The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that from Friday evening (3 Jan), temperature screening will be implemented at Changi Airport for inbound travellers arriving on flights from Wuhan city, and suspected cases will be referred to hospitals for further assessment.

MOH also adopt the precautionary measures in response to severe pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China.

“As a precautionary measure, MOH has alerted all medical practitioners to be vigilant to look out for suspected cases with pneumonia who have recently returned from Wuhan. ”

MOH added that suspect cases with fever and acute respiratory illness or pneumonia and with travel history to Wuhan within 14 days before onset of symptoms will be isolated to prevent transmission.

All travellers to Wuhan are advised to monitor their health closely and to seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell, and to also inform their doctor of their travel history.

In the statement, MOH also encourage the travellers and members of public to take these precautions at all times such as avoid contact with live animals and consumption of raw and under-cooked meats, avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness and observe good personal hygiene by practice frequent hand washing with soap, for example before handling food or eating, after going to toilet, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing.

Those who have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose should wear a mask or cover your mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and dispose the soiled tissue paper in the rubbish bin immediately.

It was earlier reported on Tuesday (31, Dec) that China is investigating an outbreak of atypical pneumonia that is suspected of being linked to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

According to Chinese news site The Paper, 27 cases of viral pneumonia have been reported in Wuhan in December, citing Wuhan Municipal Health Commission.

“Of the 27 cases, seven were critical, the rest were under control, and two patients are expected to be discharged from hospital in near future,” The Paper said.

In Hong Kong, the additional thermal imaging systems will be put in place in the Hong Kong International Airport from Friday to check the body temperature of inbound travellers from Wuhan, reported by RTHK.

During the SARS outbreak of 2003, Singapore had a total of 238 reported cases and claimed 33 lives.

Aware of the cluster of severe pneumonia cases in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China, MOH is currently closely monitoring the situation.

As of 2 Jan, MOH has not been notified of any suspected cases.