Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Singapore, 05 April 2020
Location: Singapore
Event: The Singapore Ministry of Health has confirmed 1,189 cases of COVID-19 in the country of Singapore.
On 03 April 2020 the government of Singapore announced new measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. These heightened safe-distancing measures will be implemented from 07 April 2020 until 04 May 2020, and may be extended.
- Only essential businesses will remain open; non-essential workplaces will be suspended.
- School classes will be suspended (including preschool) and school students will transition to Home-Based Learning (08 April 2020 – 04 May 2020)
- More details on these new measures: https://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-circuit-breaker-heightened-safe-distancing-measures-to-reduce-movement
International commercial flight options currently exist in Singapore. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make commercial arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights in Singapore at this time. As of 03 April 2020, there are 38 commercial flights available, flying direct or via transit to the United States:
- 3 direct flights to Los Angeles
- 6 via Tokyo Narita
- 3 via Tokyo Haneda
- 10 via Doha
- 16 via London Heathrow
The government of Singapore, which has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, has declared that from 23 March 2020, 11:59 pm all short-term travelers from anywhere in the world are barred from entering or transiting through Singapore until further notice. This order remains in effect.
At this time, only Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders who have received approval for entry from the Ministry of Manpower or other controlling government authority are permitted entry. Those permitted entry into Singapore will be issued 14-day “stay-home notices” (SHNs) and required to show proof of access to a single dwelling during that period. Travelers returning from the United States or UK will be ordered to serve their 14-day SHN in designated Singapore government facilities. From 05 April 2020, 11:59pm travelers returning from ASEAN countries, France, India and Switzerland will also be ordered to serve their 14-day SHN in Singapore government facilities. Violation of this order may be punishable under Singaporean law. As of 27 March 2020, all approved travelers arriving in Singapore must submit a health declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance. For more details see the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority notice.
According to the Singapore government, the Ministry of Manpower at this time will only allow the entry/return of work pass holders, including their dependents, for those providing essential services, such as in healthcare and transport. Visit the COVID-19 website at the Ministry of Manpower for updated information.
The government of Singapore has directed the cancellation of large events, group tours, and closed certain entertainment venues. Other measures may be implemented at any time. Please visit the Singapore Ministry of Health COVID-19 page and this Ministry of Health Safe-Distancing announcement for more information. The government of Singapore has announced violations of Safe-Distancing Regulations could be liable on conviction to fines and even imprisonment. For information please see the Singapore government’s Promulgation of Regulations Under Infectious Diseases Act.
Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of Singapore’s Ministry of Health for additional information on these measures.
Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.
Effective 23 March 2020 U.S. Embassy Singapore has suspended routine visa services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information: https://sg.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Singapore advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Singapore.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Singapore.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Singapore
27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508
+(65) 6476-9100
SingaporeACS@state.gov
https://sg.usembassy.gov/
- State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Singapore Country Information can be found here.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive health and security updates: https://step.state.gov/step/
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