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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Singapore
By
19 MINUTE READ
April 14, 2020

Location:  Singapore

Event:  The Singapore Ministry of Health has confirmed 2,918 cases of COVID-19 in the country of Singapore.

Increased enforcement of safe-distancing regulations 

The government of Singapore has announced increased enforcement measures during this “circuit breaker” period of Safe-Distancing Regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within Singapore. The U.S. Embassy urges all U.S. citizens and members of their households to comply with local laws and regulations in order to protect yourselves, protect others, and avoid fines and other negative consequences.

Wear masks in public

Based upon updated guidance delivered to the U.S. Embassy, all should wear a mask in public places including public transport, supermarkets, wet markets, convenience stores, pharmacies and shopping malls.

Safe-distancing “Do’s and Don’ts”

A guide list of safe-distancing “Do’s and Don’ts” is found from this official Singapore government source and copied below. A safe-distancing FAQ is also available for review.

  • Stay home. Stay safe.
  • Avoid gathering with others not from your household, either at home or outside
  • First offence: $300. Repeat offenders: Higher fines, or prosecution in court for egregious cases
  • Elderly to stay home — they are most vulnerable to COVID-19
  • Don’t forget to wear a mask when going out, especially to markets and on public transport
  • Instead of peak hours, visit markets at non-peak hours on weekends or weekdays
  • Social contact should be limited to household members
  • Takeout or get your food delivered – no dining-in is allowed at eating places
  • All group recreational activities are not allowed in public spaces. Individuals and members of the same household are allowed to exercise by walking, jogging and cycling.
  • No loitering at public spaces. Do not enter closed-off public spaces.
  • Cleanliness and public hygiene are our first line of defense. Wash your hands with soap.
  • Exercise social responsibility.

 

Returning to the United States

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.

Based upon our most recent information, the following airlines are operating flights to the United States from Singapore: United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, ANA, JAL, Qatar Airways, and KLM. For the week starting on 13 April  there are 42 commercial flights available flying direct or via transit to the United States.

  • 3 non-stop flights to Los Angeles
  • 9 via London Heathrow
  • 10 via Tokyo Narita
  • 13 via Amsterdam
  • 7 via Doha

Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.

 

U.S. Embassy American Citizen Services office is open

Please see a  special message  to U.S. citizens from the U.S. Embassy’s Chief of Mission, Rafik Mansour.

The U.S. Embassy American Citizen Services office remains open and continues to provide limited public services for U.S. citizens. Please visit our website to find out more: https://sg.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/

At this time, please note that regular passport and Consular Report of Birth applicants may experience significant delays in receiving their approved documents due to reduced production capacity in the U.S. At this time all U.S. citizens are encouraged to apply for these services, and any other appointment services, only if there is an urgent need that cannot be delayed.

Please note: Effective 23 March 2020 U.S. Embassy Singapore has suspended routine visa services until further notice.

 

Government of Singapore measures

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 and their dependents who have received approval 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. At this time all travelers entering Singapore will be ordered to serve their 14-day SHN in designated 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 announced new measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. These heightened safe-distancing measures will be implemented until 04 May 2020 and may be extended. More details on these measures can be found here: https://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-circuit-breaker-heightened-safe-distancing-measures-to-reduce-movement. 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.

 

Travel Advisories and Warnings

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:

Assistance:

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