Starting noon tomorrow (29 January), people who have been in Hubei over the last 14 days or have passports issued in Hubei will be barred from entering or transiting Singapore.
The announcement comes after the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirms two new cases of the Wuhan virus in the country, bringing the total number of cases in Singapore up to seven. Three cases tested positive in the last 24 hours alone.
This ban applies to all land, sea and air checkpoints
MOH announced that airlines will be informed about these new rules and they will, in turn, notify their passengers.
Those who have been denied entry will have to figure out their own travel arrangements to exit Singapore.
MOH added that while there is no evidence of community spread in Singapore for now, they are putting in place enhanced measures to protect from the virus spreading further given the accelerating trend of infection among Chinese travellers from Hubei into Singapore.
While the barring of visitors begins on Wednesday, no new visas will be issued with immediate effect to China nationals with passports issued in Hubei.
Additionally, short-term visas and multiple visit visas previously issued to those with the affected passports will also be considered invalid and visa-free transit facilities will be suspended for them.
Returning permanent residents (PRs) and long-term pass holders with China passports issued in Hubei will also be quarantined upon arrival at Singapore.
Other measures that the government is putting in place include placing those who have travelled to Hubei within the last 14 days in quarantine. This includes Singaporeans, permanent residents and those with long-term visas like work passes.
Anyone who has travelled to Hubei recently or those with Hubei-issued passports will be placed under quarantine if they have assessed to be of higher risk, for example, if they have been in contact with anyone who has the Wuhan virus or has recently visited a hospital in China.
MOH also reminded the public that quarantine orders have legal force with severe penalties for those who do not comply.
Two new cases in Singapore brings total up to 7
The ministry also provided details of the two new cases. The first is a 56-year-old Chinese national who had arrived in Singapore on 18 January. He was staying with his family in their home at Pasir Ris Cove. He went to Changi General Hospital on 25 January after developing a cough.
The other case is that of a 35-year-old Chinese national who arrived in the country on 23 January and stayed at Marina Bay Sands. He developed symptoms the next day and went to Raffles Hospital for treatment on his own.
Both tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection on Tuesday night.
MOH said that all seven patients are in stable condition.
