The Singapore government has introduced new protective measures to stop the spread of the Wuhan virus in Singapore.
On Friday (31 Jan), National Development Minister Lawrence Wong announced that all travellers who visited mainland China in the past 14 days will be barred from entering or transitting in Singapore.
On the other hand, Singaporeans, Permanent Residents (PRs), and Long-Term Pass Holders will be able to return to Singapore, but would have to undergo a leave of absence for 14 days.
According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA) on Friday (31 Jan), these measures would allow the government to,
limit the number of new imported case here and reduce risk of community spread in Singapore.
These measures will take effect at 11.59pm on Saturday (1 Feb).
At the time of writing, all 13 cases reported in Singapore are Chinese nationals from Wuhan. There have not been any cases of community spread thus far.
Effective immediately, authorities will also stop issuing visas to those holding China passports.
Short-term and multiple-visit visas previously issued to Chinese passport holders will also be suspended.
Cabin crew members who travelled to China as part of their job scope will not be subjected to the measures but would have to take precautionary measures.
Mr Wong did not rule out the possibility of taking additional measures, and emphasised that “the situation remains fluid”.
With the new precautionary measures, hopefully, the spread of the Wuhan virus will be curbed.
What do you think of the latest travel restriction? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
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