Singapore to stop accepting visitors with recent travel to China

CORONAVIRUS | All new visitors with travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into or to transit through Singapore, the republic's Health Ministry announced today.

This takes effect from tomorrow.

In a statement, the ministry said this decision was taken by the Singapore Multi-Ministry Taskforce on the Wuhan coronavirus to limit the potential risk that new travellers arriving from mainland China may pose to Singapore.

It said that it was prudent to take additional pre-emptive measures at this stage in view of the growing possibility of transmissions from new travellers arriving from other parts of mainland China.

The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is also suspending the issuance of all forms of new visas to those with China passports, with immediate effect.

In addition, Singapore’s status as a visa-free transit facility for those with China passports is also suspended.

The ministry further said that previously issued short-term and multiple-visit visas for those with China passports will also be suspended.

"During this period of suspension, they will not be allowed entry into Singapore," it said.

Meanwhile, residents (Singaporean citizens or permanent residents) with recent travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days will be issued an advisory to be placed on a 14-day leave of absence from the day of their return from China, with immediate effect.

This also applies to long-term pass holders (including Work Pass and Permit, Student Pass, Dependent Pass and Long-term Visit Pass) with recent travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days.

The World Health Organisation has declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

"This declaration sets the stage for a global coordinated effort to enhance preparedness in other regions of the world," the statement said. 

- Bernama