Additional precautionary measures to prevent further importation of COVID-19 cases

Dear ICCS Members,

We are here sharing the latest updates from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Manpower to prevent further imported cases of Covid-19.

Please note the key updates:

Travel advisory and travel restrictions

1.   MOH’s travel advisory has been updated to cover:

·        Mainland China;

·        France;

·        Germany;

·        Iran;

·        Italy;

·        Japan;

·        Republic of Korea;

·        Spain

2.   With effect from 15 March 2020, 2359 hours, all new visitors with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, or Spain within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or to transit through Singapore, except for the following groups :

·        Singapore Citizens;

·        Permanent Residents (PRs);

·        Long-term pass holders, including Work Passes and Permits, Student Pass, Dependant’s Pass, and Long-Term Visit Pass

3.   Those with travel history within the last 14 days to the above restricted locations will also be issued a Stay-Home Notice (SHN). 

4.   Those entering Singapore and exhibiting fever and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness are required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at the checkpoint, regardless of travel history. All such travellers will also be issued a 14-day SHN, which they will have to serve in full even if the test result is negative.

5.   More information can be found in this link.

Social distancing measures at the workplace

6.   Where feasible, we advise you to put in place measures to reduce close contact among employees. For example, by implementing tele-commuting and video-conferencing; staggering work hours and allowing employees to commute at off-peak hours. Seating in meeting rooms and work stations could also be spaced apart. For more information on social distancing measures at the workplace, please refer to this link on the MOM website.

Precautions for events and mass gatherings

7.   MOH has introduced new requirements to limit large crowds gathering in close proximity over a prolonged duration. We advise businesses to cancel or defer organising events with 250 participants or more. For events that have already been committed (e.g. tickets sold), you must demonstrate that satisfactory precautionary measures have been put in place before you can proceed.

8.   If you are holding other mass gatherings including private functions, we advise you to put in place the following precautions:

·        Reduce the scale of events to below 250 participants where possible;

·        Reduce the crowding of participants and improve ventilation. For example, participants could be seated at least a metre apart from one another, and be advised to reduce contact with others (e.g. avoid shaking hands);

·        Put in place temperature and health screening measures, as well as turn away persons who are unwell; and

·        Put in place measures to facilitate contact tracing if needed, such as obtaining contact details of participants;

·        Advise participants to practise social responsibility – monitor their own health condition and avoid attending gatherings and events if unwell.

More information can be found in this link.

In addition, please see the latest precautionary measures to prevent further importation of COVID-19 cases, for immediate circulation and action.

Attached are press releases from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Manpower on the above matter; as well as Minister Chan Chun Sing’s Facebook post. (https://www.facebook.com/175816112470380/posts/3039000042818625/).

Key updates to note:

Travel advisory and travel restrictions

1.   Defer all non-essential overseas travel for the next 30 days, with immediate effect. This advisory will be reviewed thereafter.

2.   From 16 March 2020, 2359 hours, all travellers (including Singapore Residents, long term pass holders, and short term visitors) entering Singapore with recent travel history to the following countries within the last 14 days will be issued with a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN):

·        Other ASEAN countries (except for land and sea travellers from Malaysia);

·        Japan;

·        Switzerland;

·        United Kingdom

3.   From 16 March 2020, 2359 hours, all short-term visitors who are nationals of any ASEAN country will have to submit requisite information on their health to the Singapore Overseas Mission in the country they are resident of before their intended date of travel. The submission will have to be approved by Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) before travel to Singapore. Short-term visitors who arrive in Singapore without the necessary approval will be denied entry into Singapore. This is in addition to the SHN requirement. 

4.   However, given the close proximity to Malaysia, the 14-day SHN will not apply to land and sea crossings with Malaysia. Workers who commute between the two countries will still be able to do so.

5.   The latest restrictions will not have any impact on the supply of food and other essentials between Singapore and Malaysia as drivers of goods vehicles will be able to enter as per normal.

6.   Summary list of countries/regions and border control measures: