Singapore Government Press Release

Media Relations Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts,

MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369

Tel: 6837-9666

On 31 May 03, WHO removed Singapore from the list of areas with recent local transmission of SARS. Since the last probable SARS case was isolated on 11 May 03, there have been no new probable SARS cases reported. On 9 June 03, of the 206 probable SARS cases, 169 patients (82%) have recovered. Five patients are still in the hospital, with 3 in the ICU. The number of deaths remains at 31.

During the SARS outbreak, several stringent and comprehensive measures were introduced to prevent and contain the spread of the disease. These include the screening of incoming and outgoing passengers at the land, air and sea checkpoints. Withinthe Health Care Institutions (HCIs), stringent infection control measures were instituted. The ‘No-Visitor’ rule and restrictions on inter-hospital movement of Health Care Workers (HCWs) and patients were implemented to prevent the spread of the virus between hospitals.

While the SARS situation in Singapore is under control, continued vigilance is still extremely important.

Within HCIs, continued vigilance means that:

Stringent infection control measures will be maintained in all HCIs.

In keeping with this, MOH will be maintaining the same frequency and intensity of audit of infection control measures at acute hospitals, GP and TCM clinics as well as other HCIs. The target is to complete 100% audit of GP clinics, TCM practitioners, and Chinese medicine halls by Jul 03, while maintaining frequent regular audits of the hospitals.

Temperature surveillance of all HCWs in the HCIs will continue. Hospitals will continue with their current practice of monitoring for and investigating clusters of fever among patients and/or HCWs in the same work area.

The current restrictions on inter-hospital movement of patients will be maintained.

In addition, MOH is in the process of implementing the following new measures:

Extending daily surveillance for clusters of febrile patients to all Nursing Homes (NHs). This is to enable early detection of new outbreaks in NHs.

Linking up several nursing homes to each restructured hospital. Patients in the restructured hospital who require step-down care should be transferred to one of the NHs linked to the restructured hospital and vice versa. This measure is being put in place to reduce the frequent movement of ill patients between several different hospitals and nursing homes, a practice which increases the risk of spreading infections such as SARS throughout the healthcare delivery system.

Continued vigilance at the HCIs is not enough. The fight against SARS is not over while there is still ongoing infection globally. It is important that every Singaporean continues to play his or her part in our defence against a new SARS outbreak in Singapore.

The Ministry will be instituting the Patient Declaration Form under the Infectious Diseases Act. This would help ensure that doctors and HCIs will be able to obtain accurate and truthful information about the patients’ travel and contact history as well as key symptoms which may suggest SARS. This is important as a positive travel history is a key indicator which would alert doctors to a possible diagnosis of SARS.

The June school holidays have started this week. Travel agencies have reported an increased number of overseas holiday bookings. The Ministry would like to urge all Singaporeans to avoid travel to SARS-affected countries and areas as recommended by the WHO. If you have to visit these places, you should avoid crowded places. You should practise good personal hygiene habits like washing your hands frequently, and avoiding the sharing of eating utensils or personal items. You should check your temperature, and that of your children, twice daily while away and for 10 days after your return to Singapore. If you or your family become unwell, please seek medical attention early and be certain to inform your doctor of your travel history.

We need to be mindful that the SARS outbreak in Singapore originated from an imported case. This is a sombre reminder for us and especially Singaporeans who travel overseas on the importance of taking precautions while travelling overseas so that our families, friends, relatives and the community at large could be protected.

Annex A is an FAQ for Singaporeans travelling abroad during this June school holidays.

On 29 Apr 03, the ‘No Visitor’ rule was imposed. This has been replaced by the ‘One Visitor’ rule on 1 Jun 03. The hospitals have stopped the use of health declaration forms for visitors. All visitors are however still required to undergo temperature screening and to provide their personal details. This is to facilitate contact tracing should this be subsequently required.

It has been 30 days since the last probable case, Mr Lee Chong Kian was isolated on 11 May 03. He was discharged from hospital on 6 June 03 and is well. 137 contacts of Mr Lee were contact traced. All are well.

Epidemiological investigations have so far not revealed any links to previously known SARS cases. Contact tracing was also done on previous probable and suspect SARS cases whose onset of illness coincided with Mr Lee's onset of symptoms. No epidemiological links were established between Mr Lee and any of these cases. However, epidemiological investigations into Mr Lee’s case will continue

With effect from 13 Jun 03 (Friday), the MOH SARS General Enquiry Hotline number, 1800-3339999, will operate during office hours, 8.30 am to 6 pm, instead of till 11 pm.

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For media queries, please contact

Eunice Teo (Ms) Sathya Bama (Ms) Woo Joen Wai

Hp 98248020 Hp 98225034 Hp97344696

Check if you have a fever (oral temperature greater than 37.5oC). Do not travel if you are unwell and postpone the trip until you have recovered.

Pack a thermometer for personal temperature screening.

Pack some N95 masks (in case you are unable to avoid persons who are unwell with SARS related symptoms)

Pack some surgical masks for use to prevent spreading infections to others if you become ill with respiratory symptoms (eg. cough, sneezing).

Pack some disposable gloves to protect yourself if you had to attend to a travelling companion who is unwell.

Consider getting travel insurance that covers medical evacuation from SARS affected areas in the event of illness

Find out where you can seek medical help while in the SARS affected area in advance of your trip.

Build up your body’s immune system by getting adequate rest, proper diet and exercise.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. You may use an alcohol-based hand rub if there are no washing facilities.

Avoid touching someone else’s respiratory secretions (e.g nose mucus, phlegm), wet tissues, and handkerchiefs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Avoid crowded places as much as possible.

Avoid close contact with anyone who looks unwell. If you can, move away from any sick person with a cough. If this is not possible, wear an N95 mask to protect yourself.

Avoid sharing eating utensils, towels, and bedding with others.

Monitor your health closely by checking your temperature twice daily.

There are no injections or vaccinations against SARS.

If you suspect that you have come down with SARS when you are in a foreign land, you are advised to seek medical advice immediately.

You will not be quarantined. However, you are advised to monitor your health for the next 10 days by taking your temperature at least twice daily. Your employer may impose a period of compulsory leave-of-absence.

For students, you will be asked to stay away from school for ten days from date of return, and to stay at home during this period. You are required to produce a medical report certifying your are well at the end of the 10-day period, before being allowed back into school. At school, your temperature will be checked daily for an additional 4 days.

Should you become ill with fever, cough, and/or breathing difficulties during these ten days, please call 993. A special ambulance provided by MOH will take you to TTSH for an assessment. Do not use public transport.

Persons with SARS are advised not to travel until they are well. They are advised to contact the Singapore embassy in their resident countries for assistance, if necessary.

No. However, students who return from all other countries are monitored by the school and required to have their temperatures checked daily for 14 days from date of return.