Holiday Makers, Schools Cancel on South Korea Because Of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
In the wake of the seventh MERS death in South Korea since May, some Singaporeans are choosing to unpack their bags and change travel plans.
Travel agencies reported that some customers chose to cancel or postpone their trips.
Media reported that CTC Travel agency saw 10 last minute cancellations for a group of 150 people travelling to South Korea yesterday evening. Chan Brothers told media that close to 5 percent had a change of travel plans or chose to postpone their trips to South Korea.
South Korea is the second country to be worst hit by infections, after Saudi Arabia. With eight new cases today (9 June), the total number of MERS cases hits 1,244, with at least 446 related deaths, according to World Health Organisation Data.
Even though there is no travel advisory issued for South Korea, Singaporeans are being wary.
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Ministry Of Education and Ministry Of Health keeping close eye on the virus outbreak
Singapore also cancelled or postponed trips to South Korea in light of the MERS outbreak. Schools that went on trips to South Korea have all returned and all students and staff were advised to monitor their health for the next two weeks.
The Ministry of Health is keeping a close watch on the situation and said that so far, all cases in South Korea can be traced to hospital contacts or family members. MOH is considering stepping up temperature screening measures at air checkpoints to passengers arriving from South Korea.
MERS is reminding people of SARS
Perhaps it is because of the fear brought back by the memories of the deadly SARS virus that rattled Singapore in 2003.
The SARS virus killed 774 people worldwide and 33 people in Singapore. SARS, like MERS is caused by a coronavirus and both cause severe respiratory infections in humans. But they are not the same.
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While some Singaporeans are wary of travelling to South Korea, others are continuing travel plans anyway. For some, it is because a change of plans can be too costly, as media has reported.
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Travellers who are still choosing to continue their trips are advised to practice utmost hygiene, so that they don’t bring the virus home.
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With reference to The Straits Times, Channel News Asia, The Straits Times
