Q

What are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to pneumonia (a more severe lung infection). A new coronavirus strain has been identified in Wuhan, China. The Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) has caused cases of severe pneumonia in China and cases have been exported to other countries and cities.

Q

How does COVID-19 spread?

There is human to human transmission of COVID-19. For now, the evidence suggests spread is mostly via droplets. The virus is carried within droplets emitted from an infected person over a short distance, such as when the person coughs or sneezes. If these droplets come into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of another person, directly or indirectly through hands that have come into contact with these droplets, the other person may become infected. Members of public are advised to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene practices.

MOH is closely monitoring the evolving situation and members of public are advised to check the MOH website for updates.

Q

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 infection are similar to that of regular pneumonia. Typical symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Q

What is the treatment for COVID-19?

Supportive treatment is provided based on the patient’s clinical condition. No proven specific treatment or anti-viral drug for COVID-19 is currently available.

Q

Is the disease deadly? How is this compared to SARS?

The situation is evolving and many characteristics of the virus and how it may affect people are still unclear. However, current information suggests COVID-19 can cause severe disease and death in 2-3% of people with the infection, especially among the elderly and those people with underlying health problems or compromised immune systems.

Q

What is the current public health travel advisory?

MOH advises travellers to defer all travel to Hubei province in China, and non-essential travel to the following areas:

• Mainland China;
• Daegu city, South Korea; and
• Cheongdo country, South Korea.

Q

If I defer my travel to mainland China, will travel insurance cover my trip cancellation, postponement of flight tickets and hotels? How do I go about seeking refund?

You are advised to check with your respective travel insurance providers for information on coverage and compensation.

Q

How are the frontline workers, e.g., airline staff, healthcare workers, checkpoint staff, protected, to make sure that they do not get sick and spread the diseases?

Employees working in the various sectors would have received sector specific advisories, which include measures and precautionary measures that employees and employers can take. 

Please refer to the sector specific advisories for more details.

Q

With the new H5N1 outbreak in Hunan, China, are there additional precautions that we should take?  

MOH is currently monitoring the development of H5N1 outbreak in China closely. While there have been isolated reports of H5N1 avian influenza infection in humans with presumed transmission from birds, there has not been any outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in humans or any evidence of human to human spread.

Frozen and live poultry from China is not imported into Singapore. As such, the risk of any H5N1 outbreak in Singapore is low. However, members of public are advised to remain vigilant and observe good personal hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water after contact with animals. They should also avoid the consumption of raw or undercooked meat. 

Q

Can organisations collect, use and disclose personal data (including NRIC/FIN/passport numbers) of visitors to premises for the purposes of contact tracing and other response measures in the event of a COVID-19 case?

Organisations may collect personal data of visitors to premises for purposes of contact tracing and other response measures in the event of an emergency, such as during the outbreak of the COVID-19.
In the event of a COVID-19 case, data can be collected, used and disclosed without consent to carry out contact tracing and other response measures, pursuant to sections 1(b) of the Second, Third and Fourth Schedules to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), as this is necessary to respond to an emergency that threatens the life, health or safety of other individuals.

As organisations may require NRIC/FIN/passport numbers to accurately identify individuals in the event of a COVID-19 case, organisations may collect visitors’ NRIC, FIN or passport numbers for this purpose.

Organisations that collect such personal data must comply with the Data Protection Provisions of the PDPA, such as making reasonable security arrangements to protect the personal data in their possession from unauthorised access or disclosure, and ensuring that the personal data is not used for other purposes without consent or authorisation under the law.

Please click here for more FAQs on PDPA.

Q

Who should wear a mask?  What kind of mask should I wear? 

For the general public who are not having any symptoms at all and are well, there is no requirement to wear a mask. 

As a good hygiene measure, people who are not well and have respiratory symptoms should wear a mask so that they do not spread any infection to other people. Anyone who has symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible, to make sure that they remain well. 

In the case of COVID-19, we know that the infection is spread through droplets. Wearing a mask will protect other people when someone with respiratory symptoms coughs or sneezes, as the mask would trap those droplets and prevent those droplets from spreading and disseminating.

As such, a surgical mask is sufficient for this case and fulfils the important function of preventing a spread if worn properly. The mask should be changed if it gets soiled or stained.

(see Advisory on Wearing Masks, under the section “Content you can use”)

 Q

Will Government be issuing masks for public?

The Government will be distributing a pack of four masks to each household at distribution points. These are to be used when you are sick and need to see a doctor.

The masks are made available from 01 Feb 2020 to 29 Feb 2020 at 88 Community Centres (CCs) and 654 Residents’ Committee (RC) Centres.

You can click here, or check your RC noticeboards, digital display panels and social media platforms on when and where you should collect your masks. Priority will be given to areas with high numbers of vulnerable residents as well as rental block residents and Pioneer Generation residents.

Q

Where and when can I collect my mask?  

To collect your masks:

1.  Go to www.maskgowhere.gov.sg and key in your postal code to find the location and contact information of your constituency's Community Club/Centre (CC). 
2.  You will need to bring your NRIC for verification.

You may also check your community notice board and/or social media for more information on the designated location, date and time for the collection. The information is being progressively updated. If you are unable to find the designated location to collect your masks, please bear with us. You can also contact 1800-333-9999 or your local Community Clubs if you are unsure.

Please keep the masks for use by those who are unwell.  Do not use them immediately, or if you are well.

To learn how and where to use a mask, read more here.

Q

Why don’t the Government get SingPost to distribute the masks? Why do I still need to collect them. 

Through collection at the RCs/CCs, we can ensure that those who need the masks get them. It reduces wastage, ensures the masks are safe and clean and also gives us the opportunity to answer any questions public may have.

Q

Why is it not compulsory for frontline workers to wear masks?

Wearing a mask is only necessary when you are sick.

Frontline staff, as with everyone else, are encouraged to be vigilant and observe good personal hygiene, including practicing frequent hand washing with soap and seeking immediate medical attention if unwell.

Q

Why are SCDF medical crews seen to be wearing personal protective equipment when responding to emergencies?

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) may implement precautionary measures to provide protection for its ambulance medical crews when dealing with emerging infectious diseases. 

Ambulance medical crews will don personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, gowns, caps and goggles) when responding to cases where patients have fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g. coughs, wheezing or shortness of breath), and if they have travelled to China in the past 14 days. SCDF will also decontaminate its emergency ambulances after conveying such patients to the hospitals.

These are precautionary measures, and not confirmation of a case of COVID-19.

Q

Why do healthcare professionals use N95 mask and don full personal protective equipment (PPE), including goggles, then?

When dealing with infectious diseases, healthcare workers are required to wear the personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 and goggles, as they are in close contact with patients and their bodily fluids.

As such, the PPE is needed to create a barrier between healthcare workers and the infectious agents from the patients, and to reduce the risk of transmitting micro-organisms from healthcare workers to patient(s).

Q

If Singapore has enough masks, why can’t the Government release more masks from the national stockpile to retailers or distribute to households?

We have sufficient supply of surgical masks available in Singapore, so long as we use them responsibly.

The Government is prioritising the use of the stockpile to ensure that our healthcare workers at the frontline of this battle and the most vulnerable in our society, including those who have fallen ill, are taken care of.

Meanwhile, there is a surge in global demand for masks and uncertainty on whether this infection will be prolonged. Singapore is also not the only country that has been affected by COVID-19. This has resulted in a global shortage of many items such as surgical masks. The Government is working with the retailers to identify new sources of masks and to expedite the shipment of masks and other in-demand items.

Q

How long is the incubation period? If somebody travels to cities with confirmed cases, how many days of no-symptoms after the travel, will he/she then be considered clean and disease-free?

Data from cases in China suggests that the incubation period is up to 14 days.

Therefore, travellers are advised to monitor their health closely for at least 2 weeks upon return to Singapore. You are advised to seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell, and to also inform your doctor of your travel history.

Q

I would like to seek medical attention as I have a cough and runny nose and have recently travelled to the countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Should I go to the GP or do I have to go to A&E?

If you have recently travelled overseas, and are feeling unwell with a fever, or respiratory symptoms (such as cough, runny nose), please seek medical attention promptly. Wear a mask and call the clinic ahead of your visit, and avoid taking public transport.

You may access the latest list of GP clinics through the MOH’s Directory of Licensed Healthcare Instituions or on the HealthHub mobile application, which is available on both iTunes and the Google Play Store. 

Healthcare practitioners have been informed and reminded to be vigilant for cases and how to manage them. All cases fulfilling the suspect case definition seen at various healthcare settings will be reported to MOH immediately and referred to hospitals for further assessment and treatment.

Q

Can MOH provide more information about the whereabouts of the confirmed cases? What if I suspect that I have been at the same place as the confirmed cases? What should I do?

Contact tracing will be conducted to identify close contacts of the confirmed cases.

If you are deemed to be a close contact of a confirmed case, you will be contacted by MOH officials and advised on the measures that you should take. Close contacts are defined as: (i) anyone who had provided care for the patient or have had close physical contact; (ii) anyone who had stayed at the same place as a confirmed case. The health status of all close contacts will be monitored closely for 14 days from their last exposure to the patient. Those who develop symptoms will be brought to the hospital via a dedicated ambulance for further assessment.

Transient contacts can be described as anyone who had interacted with the confirmed case for short periods of time, such as passing by each other by the corridor or being on public transport or public spaces. The risk of infection from transient contact is assessed to be low. 

Q

My friend sent me a message to avoid a certain location as there has been a suspected case reported. Should I be concerned?

There is no need to avoid places where suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been. The risk of infection from transient contact, such as in public places, is low. There is also currently no evidence widespread sustained community transmission. Members of public are advised to adopt good personal hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently with soap, and wearing a mask if you are unwell.

NEA has been liaising closely with, and providing support to, residents and owners of premises, to ensure that the cleaning and disinfection of areas are done in accordance with NEA’s guidelines. For places exposed to confirmed cases, NEA has also been giving advice and supervising the cleaning and disinfection works. In addition, NEA has issued sanitation and hygiene advisories to premises and facilities with high public access like hotels, commercial buildings and F&B outlets, including hawker centres.

Please click here for guidelines on environmental cleaning and disinfection of COVID-19 in non-healthcare premises and in residences.

Q

I stay near a Government Quarantine Facility. Should I be concerned?

Persons served with Quarantine Orders (QO) are required to stay in their designated location at all times within the allocated quarantine period. They will not be allowed to use common facilities within the Government Quarantine Facility (GQF). There will also be no visitors to the QO persons, and food/ necessary supplies will be delivered to them.

There are also security measures in place to ensure compliance to GQF guidelines. Thus, persons served with QO will not able to mingle with the larger population around them. All staff working at the GQF are also provided with personal protective equipment (PPE). GQFs also undergo rigorous cleansing and hygiene regimes according to MOH and NEA guidelines.

Q

What is the difference between being issued a Quarantine Order and being under a Leave of Absence?

There is a difference between a Leave of Absence (LOA) and a Quarantine Order (QO).

A QO is a directive issued to individuals under the Infectious Diseases Act and thus have legal force with severe penalties for non-compliance. It is far more stringent than a LOA.

A QO is issued to quarantine or isolate an individual who is, or is suspected to be, a carrier or contact of an infectious disease. This is with the aim of limiting the spread of the virus in the community. It is a legal order under the Infectious Diseases Act, with severe penalties for non-compliance. Quarantine usually occurs in the home but can also be served in dedicated Government Quarantine Facilities (GQFs) or hospitals, should the individual not have suitable accommodation in Singapore.

An LOA is a precautionary measure. We urge those who are on LOA to be socially responsible and comply with the LOA, to prevent possible transmissions of infections.

Please refer to the Health Advisory for Persons Placed on Leave of Absence - 01 Feb 2020 for more details. 

Q

[Updated] Who will be put under Leave of Absence (LOA)?

As part of the enhanced measures to limit the risk that travellers from China pose to Singapore, the following groups of people will be placed on Leave of Absence (LOA):

• Returning residents (Singaporeans and Permanent Residents) with recent travel history to Mainland China (outside of Hubei) within the last 14 days
• Returning long-term pass holders (including work passes, Dependent Pass, and Long Term Visit Pass) with recent travel history to Mainland China (outside of Hubei) within the last 14 days

You may refer to this press release for more information. 

Q

Who will be issued a Quarantine Order (QO)?

As part of the enhanced measures to limit the risk that travellers from Hubei Province pose to Singapore, the following groups of people will be quarantined:

• Returning residents (Singaporeans and Permanent Residents) with recent Hubei travel history within the last 14 days
• Returning long-term pass holders (including work passes, Dependent Pass, and Long Term Visit Pass) with recent Hubei travel history within the last 14 days
• Returning PRs and long-term pass holders (including work passes, Dependent Pass, and Long Term Visit Pass) with PRC passports issued in Hubei
• Recent travellers from Hubei who are already in Singapore – MOH will assess who among this group are at higher risk and will quarantine them

You may refer to this press release for more information. 

Q

Who will not be allowed to enter Singapore? 

With effect from 1 February 2020, 2359H, all new visitors with recent travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or to transit through Singapore.

For updates on border control measures in response to COVID-19, please click here.

Q

I am returning to Singapore from overseas (not Mainland China). Do I need to quarantine myself?

All travellers are advised to avoid travel to Hubei province in China and to defer all non-essential travel to Mainland China.

You are advised to seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell, and to also inform your doctor of your travel history. If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath), they should wear a mask and call the clinic ahead of the visit.

Q

I am employed. Does being under a Quarantine Order (QO) utilise my quota for medical leave or hospitalisation leave?

Employees who are served a Quarantine Order (QO) will be deemed to be on paid sick leave. The period of absence from work would be treated as paid hospitalisation leave, as part of the employees’ hospitalisation leave eligibility under their employment contracts or agreements.  

Please refer to this advisory by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).  

Q

What must I do when I am being quarantined? How will it affect my household members?

Those under quarantine are not supposed to come into contact with others in order to avoid the possibility of the spread of virus through person-to-person contact. Hence, those in quarantine will need to be isolated from and cannot physically interact with others living in the same premises.  A home quarantine package with basic necessities will be provided to individuals who have been quarantined.  

You should also monitor your temperature and report your health status at least 3 times a day, and inform your Quarantine Order (QO) Agent if you feel unwell or need any assistance.  

Should your household members display symptoms associated with the virus, they will need to be taken to a hospital and treated as suspect cases.

Q

How will those who are under quarantine orders at home be monitored?

Individuals under quarantine will be monitored by video calls at least three times a day.

Spot checks will be carried out to ensure that they strictly adhere to these conditions under the Isolation / Quarantine Order (QO) during the period specified. If they are found to be non-compliant, the Director of Medical Services may require them to wear an electronic tag or order that they be detained and isolated in a hospital or in any other suitable place. It is an offence if they do not comply with the conditions listed in accordance to the QO.

Q

If I need to go out to attend to urgent matters, what should I do?  What will happen if I break quarantine?

Persons under quarantine must not leave their designated location for any reason. Should they require assistance for daily needs beyond what is provided for under the home quarantine package, they should also arrange with their relatives / friends to purchase groceries and assist in their daily needs whenever necessary. If they urgently need to leave their place of isolation / their home for matters needing personal attention which cannot be postponed, they must first seek the permission of the Quarantine Order (QO) Agent.

Spot checks will be carried out to ensure that they strictly adhere to these conditions under the Isolation / Quarantine Order during the period specified. If they are found to be non-compliant, the Director of Medical Services may require them to wear an electronic tag or order that they be detained and isolated in a hospital or in any other suitable place. It is an offence if they do not comply with the conditions listed in accordance to the Quarantine Order.

Q

I have been in recent contact with someone who has been issued a Quarantine Order (QO). What should I do?

Persons issued with a Quarantine Order are individuals assessed to have had close contact with a confirmed case, and they are generally well and have no symptoms.

We would advise you to monitor your health closely. If you have fever, cough or runny nose, wear a mask and seek medical attention promptly. Call the clinic ahead of your visit and inform the doctor of your symptoms as well as your travel history, if any.

Q

[Updated] I heard that people who are served a Quarantine Order (QO) will receive $100 a day under the Quarantine Order Allowance (QOA). Is that true?

The Quarantine Order Allowance is set up to mitigate financial impact for those who have been served Quarantine Orders. When they have completed their quarantine order, claims of $100 per day can be made by self-employed Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, and by employers of Singapore-registered companies whose employees under QO was a Singaporean Citizen, Permanent Resident or Workpass Holder.

Please refer to this factsheet for more information.  You can also approach your QO agent for further queries.  

Q

I am an employer.  How do I know if my employees have been issued a Quarantine Order (QO)?  How do I apply for the Quarantine Order Allowance (QOA)? 

A Quarantine Order (QO) agent will get in touch with your employee if he/she has been issued a QO.  Your employee should notify you that he/she has been issued a QO. 

You can only apply for the Quarantine Order Allowance (QOA) after your employee has completed the quarantine/  The person under quarantine will receive the QOA form at the end of the quarantine and pass it to the employer.  This is to ensure that he/she has fully compiled with the QO, under the Infectious Disease Act.  The employer can then submit the form to MOH for processing.  

Please refer to this factsheet for more information.  

Q

If I am unemployed, but under a Quarantine Order (QO), who can I go to for social and financial assistance?

If you are unemployed, but under a Quarantine Order (QO), and need social or financial assistance, please contact your QO agent for further assistance.

Q

What must I do when I am on a Leave of Absence (LOA)? How will this affect my household members?

Those on LOA should remain in place of your residence. You should monitor your health closely, and seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell, and to also inform your doctor of your travel history. You are advised to minimise visitors to your residence, and maintain a record of people you come into contact with. You should also avoid crowded places and minimise contact with others.

Please refer to the Health Advisory for Persons Placed on Leave of Absence (LOA) for more details.

It is not necessary for household members to be segregated from the person placed on LOA, and you can continue to share the same room/apartment. But household members are encouraged to reduce interaction and minimise contact with persons placed on LOA.

Please refer to the Advisory for Individuals Sharing Residential Spaces with Persons on Leave of Absence (LOA). 

Q

With the four cases of local transmission, do we have a community transmission now?

There is as yet no evidence of widespread sustained community transmission. The four local cases are indicative of limited local transmission as they had a link to travellers from China even though they did not have any recent travel history to Mainland China. One case was a close contact of a case within the cluster of four, while three of the four cases had prolonged contact and interactions with recent travellers from Mainland China. Pending confirmation from the Chinese authorities, we understand that two members of this group of travellers were confirmed with the COVID-19 infection.

Q

What is the difference between widespread community transmission and limited local transmission?

Widespread community transmission occurs when there are multiple cases or clusters where the source of infection cannot be identified. Limited local transmission occurs when cases are linked to a common source of infection that has been identified.

Q

Do I need to be quarantined if I had visited the same shop/ Yong Thai Hang that was frequented by the Chinese tourists?

Individuals assessed to be a close contact of a confirmed case will be contacted and placed on quarantine. The risk of infection from transient contact is assessed to be low.

If you have visited the shop and are feeling unwell, please minimise contact with other persons, wear a mask and visit your nearest GP. Please also call the clinic before you visit. For further queries, please call our hotline at 1800 333 9999.

Q

I am a neighbour of one of the confirmed cases. What should I do?

Contact tracing will be conducted to identify close contacts of the confirmed cases.

If you are deemed to be a close contact of a confirmed case, you will be contacted by MOH officials and advised on the measures that you should take. Close contacts are defined as: (i) anyone who had provided care for the patient or have had close physical contact; (ii) anyone who had stayed at the same place as a confirmed case. The health status of all close contacts will be monitored closely for 14 days from their last exposure to the patient. Those who develop symptoms will be brought to the hospital via a dedicated ambulance for further assessment.

Transient contacts can be described as anyone who had interacted with the confirmed case for short periods of time, such as passing by each other by the corridor or being on public transport or public spaces. The risk of infection from transient contact is assessed to be low.

Q1

Does this advisory also apply to persons who have travelled to the Special Administrative Regions under China?

No, this advisory applies only to those who have travelled to mainland China.

Q2

Are persons in transit at airports in China excluded from this advisory?

Travellers who transit in an airport in mainland China are not considered as having travelled to mainland China. Therefore, they are excluded from this advisory.

Q3

Am I under quarantine orders?

No, you are not under quarantine orders. You may leave your place of residence to attend to urgent matters, but are strongly advised to minimise your time spent in public spaces and to avoid social contact.

Q4

Given that this is only an advisory, can I not comply to the guidelines stated?

You are strongly advised to comply as a precautionary measure to prevent transmission of disease in your workplace, place of education, or to members of public. Employers and employees have a joint duty to ensure that the employee behaves responsibly during the leave of absence. MOM reserves the right to take action against the employer or employee, if they fail to discharge their duty. Employers can refer to the MOM website for the latest advisories.

Q5

Will my family members and friends who did not travel with me be able to attend work or school?

Yes, they may continue with their daily activities as they did not travel to mainland China and do not fall under this advisory.

Q6

Can my family members continue to stay with me during this time? Are they at risk of infection?

Yes, your family members may continue to live with you. However, you and your family should observe good personal hygiene practices (refer to guidelines). If you become unwell, avoid contact with your family members and seek medical attention immediately.

Q7

What will happen if I am unwell? Will I be isolated if I turn out to be a confirmed case subsequently?

Seek medical attention if you are unwell. Please wear a surgical mask before leaving your residence and avoid taking public transport. Please inform the staff and doctor of your travel history. Your doctor will assess your health and may refer you to hospital if further assessment is necessary. If you are subsequently admitted and tested positive for COVID-19, you will be treated in an isolation room, until you are well enough to be discharged.

Q8

My flatmates/ tenants have just returned from mainland China. Can I still carry on with my daily activities (e.g. work, school)?

Yes, this advisory applies only to persons returning from mainland China. However, you should minimise contact with persons under LOA. Those on LOA and others who are living together should continue to monitor your health, observe good personal hygiene and seek medical attention if unwell.

Q9

Do I need to declare to my employers/schools regarding my travel history?

Person who have returned from mainland China are advised to inform their employers or schools regarding their travel history. This is so that your employer or school can provide the necessary assistance to facilitate your leave of absence.

Q10

If I am worried about my status (whether or not I am infected), can I go to hospital / National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) to get tested?

Diagnostic testing is available for symptomatic individuals who are admitted to hospital on suspicion of infection. If you develop fever, cough or breathlessness, or are feeling unwell, you should wear a mask and seek immediate medical attention at any outpatient clinic. Your doctor will assess and refer you to the hospital if necessary.

Q11

Can I send my employees/ students to the doctor to get tested at the end of the 14-day LOA period so that they can be cleared to come back to work/return to school?

Diagnostic testing is available for symptomatic individuals who are admitted to hospital on suspicion of infection. It is therefore not useful to send employees who do not have symptoms to the doctor/ hospital for testing. Such individuals will not be offered diagnostic testing, and will be asked to return home.

Health advisories and latest information on the local disease situation is available on the Singapore Ministry of Health website at www.moh.gov.sg. For queries, please call the MOH general enquiry hotline at 6325 9220. For the latest global disease situation, you may wish to refer to information on the World Health Organisation website at www.who.int.

Q1

Can someone live in the same room as a person on LOA?

While you can live in the same room as a person on LOA, you are encouraged to reduce interaction and minimise contact with a person on LOA. For example, avoid sharing a bed, limit the time spent together at common areas within the apartment, have separate meal times, ensure that the room has proper ventilation etc.

Q2

Can persons on LOA share the same toilet as other occupants in the same household?

You are advised to avoid sharing the same toilet where possible. If it is not practical to do so, avoid using the toilet at the same time and clean toilet surfaces more frequently. You may also wish to allow some time to pass between toilet usage, in order to allow any remaining water droplets after showers to settle to the ground. Sharing the same roll of toilet paper is safe as long as the toilet roll is not stained, soiled or wet.

Sharing of towels is not advised.

Q3

I operate a dormitory. Do I need to segregate a person on LOA from other occupants of the dorm?

While persons on LOA can stay in the same dormitory room as others, where possible and practical, measures to minimise contact between a person on LOA and other occupants are encouraged. Examples of these could include separating belongings of workers to minimise overlapping circulating space, having separate meal times, ensuring proper ventilation, etc.

Sharing of beds is not advised.

Q1

Who is the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) for?

Q2

The SHN applies to all persons returning to Singapore from 18 February 2020, 2359 hrs, who have a travel history in mainland China (outside of Hubei province) in the last 14 days?

The SHN applies to all persons returning to Singapore from 18 February 2020, 2359 hrs, who have a travel history in mainland China (outside of Hubei province) in the last 14 days.

Q3

Am I under quarantine orders?

Q4

What is the difference between leave of absence and the new Stay-Home Notice?

Q5

If you fail to comply with the SHN, you may face the following penalties, as you have put the well-being of the wider community at risk:

1.  You may be prosecuted under Section 21A of the Infectious Diseases Act [1];

2. If you are a Singapore Permanent Resident, Long-Term Visit Pass holder, Dependant’s Pass holder, or Student’s Pass holder, your Re-Entry Permit or passes may be revoked or the validity shortened;

3. If you are a foreign employee issued with a work pass, your work pass may be revoked. This is because the SHN is imposed on you pursuant to Section 7(4)(a) of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act [2] and

4.  If your child/ward is a full-time student attending a preschool, school or other educational institution in Singapore, your child/ward might be subjected to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal. For foreign students, this may include the cancellation of your child’s/ward’s Student’s Pass or Dependant’s Pass.

 Q6

Can my family members continue to stay with me during this time? Are they at risk of infection?

Q7

What if I require medical attention while on SHN?

For life-threatening cases such as cardiac arrest, active seizures, breathlessness, major traumas and stroke, please call 995 directly for assistance; and

For non-emergencies (such as cough or fever, follow-up visits for chronic conditions, refilling of prescription, etc.):

1.  For Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Visit Pass holders, you may contact the People’s Association (PA) at 63448222. PA will assist you to make the necessary arrangements with the nearest Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC) or GP clinic, or to arrange for a house call by a GP (for those with mobility issues). Please inform the staff and doctor of your travel history and that you have been issued a SHN;

2. For students/ pre-school students, you can seek assistance from your school or MOE/ECDA; and

3. For foreign employees issued with a work pass, you should contact your employer.

Q8

If I am worried about my status (whether or not I am infected), can I go to a hospital / National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) to get tested?

Diagnostic testing is available for symptomatic individuals who are admitted to hospital on suspicion of infection. If you develop fever, cough or breathlessness, or are feeling unwell, you should seek medical attention (see Q7). Your doctor will assess and refer you to the hospital if necessary.

Q9

My family members/ flatmates/ tenants have just returned from mainland China. Can I still carry on with my daily activities (e.g. work, school)? 

Q10

Do I need to declare to my employers/schools regarding my travel history? 

Q11

Can I send my employees/ students to the doctor to get tested at the end of the 14-day period so that they can be cleared to come back to work/return to school?

Q12

If I am delivering food/ supplies to a person under SHN, should I wear a mask or other protective equipment to protect myself?

Q13

Where do I get the latest information on the disease situation?

Q1

Can someone live in the same room as a person under Stay-Home Notice (SHN)?

While you can live in the same room as a person under SHN, you are encouraged to reduce interaction and minimise contact with the person under SHN. For example, avoid sharing a bed, limit the time spent together at common areas within the apartment, have separate meal times, ensure that the room has proper ventilation, etc.

Q2

Can persons issued SHN share the same toilet as other occupants in the same household?

You are advised to avoid sharing the same toilet where possible. If it is not practical to do so, avoid using the toilet at the same time and clean toilet surfaces more frequently. You may also wish to allow some time to pass between toilet usage, in order to allow any remaining water droplets after showers to settle to the ground. Sharing the same roll of toilet paper is safe as long as the toilet roll is not stained, soiled or wet.

Do not share towels. 

Q3

I operate a dormitory. Do I need to segregate a person under a SHN from other occupants of the dorm?

While persons under SHN can stay in the same dormitory room as others, where possible and practical, measures to minimise contact between a person under SHN and other occupants are encouraged. Examples of these could include separating belongings of workers to minimise overlapping circulating space, having separate meal times, ensuring proper ventilation, etc..

Do not share beds.