SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday (Jan 22) advised against non-essential travel to the Chinese city of Wuhan — the epicentre of a new flu-like virus that has claimed 17 lives.

Separately, the MOH, which refers to the virus a “novel coronavirus”, said that it had been notified of three additional suspected cases in Singapore — people with pneumonia who had a history of travel to mainland China.

The MOH travel advisory, which comes ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday when many people travel to China, also recommends that visitors to other parts of China should exercise caution and pay attention to personal hygiene.

The outbreak of the virus was first reported in Wuhan in China’s Hubei province, and it is believed to be linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market that sells live animals.

In its latest update, the MOH said that the latest suspected cases here involve a three-year-old male Chinese national, a four-year-old male Chinese national and a 78-year-old female Singapore resident.

The three people have been admitted for further assessment and treatment, and isolated as a precautionary measure.

“They are in stable condition,” the MOH said.

TRAVEL ADVISORY TO CHINA

In its travel advisory, the MOH said that all travellers should monitor their health closely for two weeks upon their return to Singapore and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell.

They should also inform their doctor of their travel history.

While overseas, the MOH said that travellers should adopt the following precautions at all times:

• Avoid contact with live animals including poultry and birds, and the consumption of raw and undercooked meats

• Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness

• Observe good personal hygiene

• Practise frequent hand washing with soap

• Wear a mask when having respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose

• Cover one’s mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the soiled tissue paper in a rubbish bin immediately, and

• Seek medical attention promptly if one is feeling unwell.

SITUATION CONTINUALLY EVOLVING

The MOH added that given the situation and ongoing investigations in China, Singapore residents who need to travel to the affected areas are advised to regularly check the health ministry’s website for updates.

Those who are headed to China are also advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments and heed the advice of the local Chinese authorities.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES IN PLACE IN SINGAPORE

Reiterating the precautionary measures which have been put in place to reduce the risk of importation of the virus to Singapore, the MOH said that the definition of suspected cases of the virus now includes those with:

• Pneumonia and a history of travel to China within 14 days before the onset of symptoms or

• A person with acute respiratory infection who had been to any hospital in China, within 14 days before the onset of symptoms.

The MOH added that from Wednesday, temperature screening at Changi Airport has been expanded to all inbound travellers on flights arriving from China.

“Suspect cases meeting the expanded definition (of the virus) will be referred to hospitals for further assessment,” said the MOH, adding that health advisory notices have been issued to all travellers arriving at Changi Airport from China.

Posters are also on display at land and sea checkpoints here.

REMINDER TO BE VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES

In its statement, the MOH also reminded doctors and healthcare workers to be vigilant, and maintain strict infection control and prevention measures.

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To date, there have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus reported in Singapore.

“However, given the high volume of international travel to Singapore, we expect to see more suspect cases, and imported cases,” the MOH said in its statement.

It added: “Once a case is confirmed, contact tracing will be initiated, and we will implement strict isolation, quarantine, and infection control and prevention measures to prevent further transmission.”

ADVISORIES ISSUED TO PRESCHOOLS, STUDENT CARE CENTRES

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) issued advisories on Wednesday to preschools and student care centres on precautionary measures to ensure the wellbeing of children and staff.

The Early Childhood Development Agency has also reminded preschools to be vigilant in conducting health checks and to monitor the health of children and staff.

Children and staff are urged to observe good personal and environmental hygiene.

“This includes frequent washing of hands, especially before eating or handling food, after toilet visits, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing,” an MSF spokesperson said.

“Frequently touched surfaces, toys and commonly shared items should also be cleaned at least daily and when contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.”

Any child or staff who are unwell are advised to seek medical treatment promptly. In addition, parents are reminded not to send their child to school if the child is sick.

The MSF spokesperson said the ministry is also working closely with the community-based and residential facilities under its purview, including children and young persons homes, welfare homes and disability homes to ensure that precautionary measures are taken.