Two SIA transit passengers infected with meals before arrival in Singapore: CDA
SINGAPORE: Two Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers have been already infected with meals before arriving in Singapore and aren’t linked to another recognized native instances, mentioned the Communicable Diseases Agency on Friday (Feb 27).
The people flew from Hyderabad, India, and transited by way of Singapore for 2 hours before boarding an SIA flight to Auckland, mentioned Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian, group director of the company’s communicable illnesses programmes, in response to CNA’s queries.
CDA was notified on Wednesday of the 2 infected people who had landed in Auckland, New Zealand. They are from the identical family.
“Based on the onset date of symptoms, they had been infected prior to their transit in Singapore, and are not linked to any other known cases in Singapore,” Assoc Prof Lim he mentioned.
“Our investigations found that the two cases had remained in the transit area at Changi Airport throughout their time in Singapore,” Assoc Prof Lim added.
Assoc Prof Lim additionally famous that the pair’s transit interval in Singapore didn’t overlap with a separate incident earlier this month involving an SIA passenger who was additionally infected with meals and had transited by way of Singapore before heading to Los Angeles.
The passenger had flown from Cambodia, transited by way of Singapore for 2 and a half hours before boarding an SIA flight.
In response to queries from CNA, an SIA spokesperson mentioned on Friday that the airline is “working closely with the relevant authorities on this matter” and is “unable to disclose specific details due to customer confidentiality.”
“SIA is monitoring the situation closely and remains guided by the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all safety regulations,” the spokesperson added.
Any unwell passenger can be assisted by the related medical authorities on arrival. SIA additionally advises prospects who’re sad to defer their journey plans to a later date.
“The best precaution against meals that passengers and aircrew can take is to ensure that they are fully vaccinated for meals prior to travel,” mentioned CDA’s Assoc Prof Lim.
“Travellers are advised to maintain good personal hygiene, including washing hands frequently with soap, and avoiding close contact with persons who are unwell,” she added.
“Those who become unwell and develop symptoms including rash, fever, cough, red or watery eyes and runny nose should wear a mask, seek medical attention promptly, and inform their doctor of their travel history and any exposure to meal cases.”
