Singapore advises public to avoid travelling to Wuhan as China quarantines city

In view of the developing novel coronavirus situation in China, Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a public health travel advisory asking Singaporeans to avoid travelling to Wuhan.

Authorities in China have also shut off Wuhan, which is the epicenter of the disease outbreak. Airports and train stations in the Chinese city have been closed temporarily, and travel out of Wuhan has been limited. 

Changi Airport. Photo: Connected to India
Changi Airport. Photo: Connected to India

MOH also reminded citizens to continue to exercise caution and pay attention to personal hygiene when travelling to the rest of China.

Ong Ye Kung, Minister of Education, said in a Facebook post that the government is closely monitoring the virus outbreak.

"Since the SARS episode, Ministry of Education (MOE), our schools and Institutes of Higher Learning have established measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We stand ready to activate them if the situation requires it"

He noted that MOE is working closely with MOH as well as other agencies, as part of a government response to the Wuhan virus outbreak.

Singapore authorities also advised all travellers to monitor their health closely for two weeks upon return to Singapore and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell. They should also inform their doctor of their travel history.