Situation Update On SARS Preventive Measures In Singapore (19 Dec)

19 Dec 2003

Background

On Wednesday, 17 Dec 2003, the Ministry of Health reported on a Taiwanese SARS patient who was in Singapore from 7 Dec 2003 to 10 Dec 2003. The patient was afebrile throughout his three days here. He departed Singapore early in the morning of 10 December 2003, and developed fever only in the evening on the same day following his return to Taiwan.

All contacts are well

Another contact of the SARS patient has been admitted to the Communicable Disease Centre. This makes it a total of 6 contacts who have been admitted. However, all the 6 contacts have been diagnosed as non-SARS. In addition, PCR tests for SARS coronavirus are negative for all 6 cases. All other contacts of the SARS patient remain well.

In line with the 10 day incubation period, we will be lifting the HQO at midnight today. All persons on HQO are well and should be able to return to normal activities immediately.

The Singaporean man who was on Flight CI-662 and seated in the same area as the Taiwanese SARS patient will be returning to Singapore this evening. He reports that he is well. As a precaution, arrangements have been made for him to be medically assessed in Changi Airport upon his arrival.

With the stringent public health measures that are in place, the Ministry would like to assure the public that there is no cause for alarm. The Ministry is monitoring the situation closely and has taken the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of SARS.