Updates on COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) Local Situation

     In view of the heightened risk of further importation of COVID-19 to Singapore, Singaporeans are advised to defer all travel abroad with immediate effect. 

     This supercedes our earlier advisory announced on 15 March to defer all non-essential travel abroad. The expansion of the travel advisory is to reduce the risk of Singaporeans being infected with the virus when abroad, and spreading it to other Singaporeans when they return.

     As Singapore’s measures will evolve according to the global situation, Singaporeans should check the MOH website (https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19) for the latest measures.

• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness;
• Observe good personal hygiene;
• Practise frequent hand washing with soap (e.g. before handling food or eating, after going to toilet, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing);
• Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose;
• Cover your mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and dispose the soiled tissue paper in the rubbish bin immediately; and
• Seek medical attention promptly if you are feeling unwell.

    Please refer to this press release for more information.

[2] The beta version of the SGAC e-Service had been rolled out on a trial basis since August 2019 to allow short-term visitors to submit information about their visit to Singapore electronically in advance of their arrival, which replaces the requirement to fill in the paper-based disembarkation/embarkation cards. As of February 2020, ICA had cleared over 560,000 electronic SGAC records submitted by short-term visitors.

Border Restrictions (updated as at 22 Mar 2020)

     From 23 March 2020, 2359h, all short-term visitors (from anywhere in the world) will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore. MOH will therefore suspend the processing of all ASEAN Health Clearance applications until further notice.  

14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) for all Travellers (updated as at 18 Mar 2020)

    From 20 March 2020, 2359 hours, all Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, Long Term Pass holders and short term visitors entering Singapore will be issued a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN)[1]. They will have to provide proof of the place where they will serve the 14-day SHN, for example a hotel booking covering the entire period, or a place of residence they or their family members own.  This is to further reduce the risk of further importation leading to community spread in Singapore.

     Please refer to this press release for more information.  

[1] The SHN will not apply to travellers transiting in Singapore without leaving the transit area.

COVID-19 swab test at checkpoint (updated as at 13 Mar 2020)

     From 13 Mar 2020, travellers entering Singapore and exhibiting fever and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness are required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at the checkpoint, regardless of travel history. With immediate effect, all such travellers will also be issued a 14-day SHN, which they will have to serve in full even if the result of the swab test is negative. Those who meet the clinical suspect case definition will be conveyed to the hospital for follow-up.

     Singapore Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders who refuse testing may have their immigration facilities and work pass privileges revoked or the validity shortened. All travellers, including Singapore Citizens, who do not comply with the testing or who cannot be contacted subsequently may face penalties and can be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act.

     Please refer to this press release for more information.