PROTOCOLS AND ENHANCED SCREENING MEASURES TO PREVENT CROSS-BORDER SPREAD OF INFLUENZA INTO SINGAPORE

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3513

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 6 MARCH 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Yip Hon Weng

MP for Yio Chu Kang

Question No. 6646

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what protocols are in place to prevent the cross-border spread of influenza into Singapore, particularly through high-traffic areas like airports; and (b) whether there are plans to enhance screening measures or implement traveller advisories when significant outbreaks occur in the region.

Answer

1        Influenza circulates globally year-round, and there is no way to prevent cross border spread without extreme economic costs to Singapore. We urge Singaporeans to take preventive measures, such as being vaccinated against influenza, practising good personal hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and wearing a mask and seeking medical attention promptly when unwell.