MOH PRESS RELEASE
SARS Situation Update 30 Jul 2003

The last probable SARS case in Singapore had onset of symptoms on 5 May 2003 and was isolated on 11 May 2003. There have been no new probable SARS cases since.
Discontinuation of temperature screening for visitors to hospitals
In view of the improved global and local SARS situation, the Ministry of Health will be reviewing and progressively stepping down the SARS control measures currently in place at hospitals and polyclinics.
As such, with effect from Friday, 1 August 2003, temperature screening for visitors to hospitals will be discontinued.
However, hospitals are still required to obtain the contact details of all visitors to clinical areas including wards, intensive care units, emergency departments and specialist outpatient clinics. This is to facilitate contact tracing should there be a need to do so. Temperature screening of patients at Emergency Departments and Specialist outpatient clinics will still continue. This will allow febrile patients to be managed separately from other patients.
Discontinuation of Fever Clinics at polyclinics
In addition, with effect from Friday, 1 August 2003, Fever Clinics at Chua Chu Kang, Yishun, Tampines and Geylang polyclinics will be discontinued. However, the system of triaging and managing febrile patients as a separate stream in all polyclinics will still continue.
New suspect cases
There were no new suspect cases admitted to TTSH.
New observation cases
From 23 to 30 July 2003, a total of 9 cases were admitted to TTSH for observation. 5 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases. The remaining 4 are still warded for observation.
Quarantine Figures
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 1
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 1
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Recovered from SARS:205
Hospitalised:0
Deaths:33
Probable cases:238
Suspect cases:0
Observation cases:0
ICU0
Discontinuation of Updates on SARS
With effect from today, the weekly MOH press update on SARS every Wednesday will be discontinued. Subsequent press releases will be issued when the need arises.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
30 JULY 2003

16 Jul 2003
SINGAPORE SARS-FREE FOR 66 DAYS AND CLEAR OF ANY SMOLDERING CASES

The last probable SARS case in Singapore was isolated on 11 May 2003. Since then, 66 days have passed with no new probable SARS cases. Intensified surveillance has been maintained throughout this period.
Intensified surveillance to flush out any smoldering cases
The second Toronto SARS outbreak, 8 days after Toronto was first removed from the World Health Organisation's (WHO) list of countries with recent local transmission of SARS, highlighted the possibility of undetected atypical SARS cases triggering off a fresh outbreak of SARS.
As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Health (MOH) embarked on an intensive surveillance exercise to ensure that there were no unidentified SARS cases. The exercise focused on three groups who were likely to present a higher risk, namely;


patients who were in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH), and in the affected ward in the National University Hospital (NUH), during the periods when the respective hospitals had SARS cases;
residents of nursing homes;
suspect SARS patients.

Patients at TTSH, SGH and NUH
TTSH, SGH and NUH conducted reviews of patients who had been in hospital at the time there were active SARS cases. The review by SGH involved all patients who had been hospitalised in SGH during the "hot period" of the SGH Ward 57 and 58 outbreak. NUH conducted reviews on patients who were hospitalised in the same ward as patients who were later diagnosed to have SARS. TTSH has largely completed the review of the patients discharged from its "at-risk" wards since 1 March 2003. In total, the outcomes of nearly 10,000 patients from these three hospitals were traced.
Since 15 April, inpatients from TTSH and SGH who had chronic medical conditions were discharged with a 10-day home quarantine order, even if they were not known to have been exposed to SARS. At the end of the quarantine period, they were recalled to their respective hospital for a review. Other patients who did not have any chronic conditions were placed on phone surveillance for 14 days on discharge.
During the review, patients discharged on home quarantine orders or phone surveillance were traced to determine their status at the end of the home quarantine or phone surveillance period. Patients discharged to nursing homes were traced to ensure that they had gone through a "washout period" of isolation for 10 days before being admitted to the general wards of nursing homes. Patients who had not returned to the hospital for a review were contacted by telephone to determine their status.
The review of all these cases from TTSH, SGH and NUH did not turn up any suspected SARS cases.
Residents at nursing homes
Several measures had already been implemented to improve the SARS-preparedness level of Nursing homes. The free movement of patients between hospitals and nursing homes was controlled so as to reduce the risk of infection being spread between institutions. Training in infection control was provided to all step-down care providers. MOH assisted nursing homes to set up contingency plans on the steps that they should take if they have any cases suspected to have SARS. MOH also conducted audits of the SARS precautionary measures at the step-down facilities.
In late May, a fever surveillance system was implemented in all nursing homes, which require nursing homes to report to MOH when three or more residents and/or healthcare workers in the same ward are down with fever. MOH conducted on-site investigations of all fever clusters notified. MOH doctors also visited all the nursing homes to assess whether the fever surveillance was being carried out effectively
Despite this intensive surveillance, no suspected SARS cases were detected.
Patients previously admitted as suspect SARS cases
During the initial phase of the global SARS outbreak, diagnostic laboratory tests were not available as the causative agent for SARS had not yet been identified. Therefore, probable and suspect SARS cases were classified according to the WHO's SARS case definition which did not depend on laboratory testing.
When the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was subsequently identified as the causative agent, diagnostic laboratory tests to detect the virus (PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction) and the antibodies to the virus (serology) were developed. With the availability of these diagnostic tests, the WHO case definition for probable SARS was revised on 1 May 2003 to include laboratory diagnosis as a criteria for defining a probable SARS case. Hence suspect cases which are laboratory test positive for coronavirus would be classified as probable cases.
When locally validated PCR and serology tests for coronavirus became available in Singapore on 5 April 2003 and 2 May 2003 respectively, these tests were carried out for all patients admitted for probable and suspect SARS, as well as cases which were being observed for SARS.
MOH conducted a review of all the suspect SARS cases admitted to TTSH since 1 March 2003 taking into account their serology and culture results for the SARS coronavirus. The review could only be concluded in early July 2003 as serial samples were required for the serology testing. This is because the antibody test may take up to 28 days after the onset of illness to become positive.
As at 15 July 2003, there have been about 600 patients who were admitted as suspect SARS cases. Among these, there were 32 suspect SARS cases who tested positive for SARS antibodies or had positive culture for coronavirus. A further 700 observation for SARS cases were also tested and were all negative. The 32 suspect SARS cases who were positive for SARS antibodies had been admitted to TTSH in March or April 2003. They had been isolated during their illness and had been discharged upon their recovery and after being afebrile for at least 48 hours.
Upon discharge, 10 had been placed on home quarantine orders, while the remaining 21 had been discharged on home medical leave for a period of 14 days. One case died in hospital.
There are no public health concerns based on the detailed review of these 32 cases. In line with WHO's guidelines, MOH will be reclassifying these suspect cases as probable cases solely on the basis of the positive test results which have been recently obtained. Hence the total number of probable SARS cases will be 238 cases. It is emphasised that all these cases had been previously identified and isolated as suspect cases in March or April 2003. Singapore has remained SARS free for 66 days since the last probable SARS case was isolated on 11 May 03.
Situation Update
Since the last MOH update on 9 July 2003, the last remaining probable SARS patient in TTSH has recovered from SARS. She is a 67 Chinese lady admitted to TTSH on 14 April 2003. She was in intensive care from 15 April to 10 July 2003. She was discharged from the SARS Ward on 13 July 2003. She remains in TTSH for the management of her chronic medical conditions.
New suspect case
There were no new suspect cases admitted to TTSH.
New observation cases
>From 9 to 16 July 2003, a total of 7 cases were admitted to TTSH for observation. Of these, 5 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases.
Quarantine Figures* (As of 16 July)
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 7
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 7
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Recovered from SARS:205
Hospitalised:nil
Deaths:33
Probable cases:238
Suspect cases:0
Observation cases:2

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
16 JULY 2003

9 Jul 2003

SARS: NO NEW PROBABLE CASES
Situation Update
The last probable SARS case in Singapore had onset of symptoms on 5 May 2003 and was isolated on 11 May 2003. There have been no new probable SARS cases since. To date, only one patient remains in intensive care.
The total number of patients who have recovered from SARS is 172.

New suspect case
There were no new suspect cases admitted to TTSH.

New observation cases
>From 1 - 9 July 2003, a total of 14 cases were admitted to TTSH for observation. Of these, 12 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases.

Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 6
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 6
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.

Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:172
Hospitalised:1 (in ICU)
Deaths:32
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:0
Observation cases:2
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
9 JULY 2003

PRESS STATEMENT 1 Jul 2003
SARS : NO NEW PROBABLE CASES

Situation Update
There were no new probable SARS cases reported since the last MOH press update on 27 Jun 03. Of the two patients remaining in the hospital since the last update, one has been discharged. The other patient is still in intensive care. The last probable SARS case in Singapore had onset of symptoms on 5 May 2003 and was isolated on 11 May 2003.
The total number of patients who have recovered from SARS is now 172.

New suspect case
There were no new suspect cases admitted to TTSH.

New observation cases
>From 27 Jun to 1 Jul 03, a total of 15 cases were admitted to TTSH for observation. Of these, 8 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases and 7 are under observation. On the 7 cases under observation, 3 had travel history to previously SARS affected regions and 1 had travel history to a non-SARS affected region. The remaining 3 cases do not have a significant travel or contact history at present.

Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 21
Contacts under home quarantine = 16
Total under home quarantine orders = 37
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.

Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:172
Hospitalised:1 (in ICU)
Deaths:32
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:0
Observation cases:7
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes

Precautions for June Holidays
The Ministry urges all Singaporeans who have travelled overseas, especially to SARS-affected areas, to monitor their temperature and that of their children, twice daily for 10 days after their return to Singapore.

If you or your family become unwell, please seek medical attention early and inform your doctor of your travel history.

Weekly Updates on SARS
With immediate effect, the twice-weekly MOH press updates on SARS every Tuesday and Friday will be replaced by a weekly update on every Wednesday.


MINISTRY OF HEALTH
1 JUL 2003

MOH PRESS RELEASE 27 Jun 2003
UPDATES ON SARS SITUATION: No New Probable Cases

Suspension of the implementation of the Patient Declaration Form
Since MOH announced its plan to introduce the Patient Declaration Form more than 2 weeks ago, the global SARS situation has improved markedly. Countries like China and Hong Kong have since been removed from the World Health Organisation's list of countries with local transmission of SARS. It also seems likely that the 2 remaining areas, Taiwan and Toronto will also be removed from the list of countries with local SARS transmission soon.
Based on the current assessment of the global and local SARS situation, the Ministry will suspend the implementation of the Patient Declaration Form, with immediate effect. However, the Ministry has stressed to medical practitioners and hospitals that it is important for them to continue to obtain the travel history of their patients, particularly those with fever.
Situation Update
There were no new probable SARS cases and deaths since the last MOH press release on 24 June 2003. One patient has since been discharged. The last probable SARS case in Singapore had onset of symptoms on 5 May 2003 and was isolated on 11 May 2003.
On 27 June 2003, of the 206 probable SARS cases, 171 patients have recovered and have been discharged. 2 patients are still hospitalised, including 1 in intensive care.
Suspect cases
Since 24 June 2003, there have been no new cases.
Observation cases
>From 24 June to 27 June, a total of 19 cases were in TTSH for observation. Of these 19 cases, 10 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases and 9 are still under observation. Of the 9 cases under observation, 2 have travel history to a SARS-affected area and 4 have travel histories to non-SARS affected regions. The remaining 3 cases do not have a significant travel or contact history at present.
Quarantine Figures*

The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 33
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 33

*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:

Discharged: 171
Hospitalised: 2 (including 1 in ICU)
Deaths: 32
Probable cases: 206 *
Suspect cases: 0
Observation cases: 9

*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Precautions after June holidays
The June holidays are coming to an end and some students as well as their parents/family members have returned or will be returning from their overseas vacation. The Ministry urges all Singaporeans who have travelled overseas, especially to SARS-affected areas, to diligently monitor their temperature and that of their children, twice daily for 10 days after their return to Singapore.
If you or your family become unwell, please seek medical attention early and inform your doctor of your travel history.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
27 June 2003

MOH PRESS RELEASE 20 Jun 2003
No New Probable Cases
Situation Update
There were no new probable SARS cases since the last MOH press release on 17 June 2003. The last probable SARS case in Singapore had onset of symptoms on 5 May 03 and was isolated on 11 May 03.
On 20 June 2003, of the 206 probable SARS cases, 170 patients (82%) have recovered. Three patients are still in the hospital, including one in intensive care.
Suspect cases
Since 17 June 2003, there have been no new cases.
Observation cases
>From 17 June to 20 June, a total of 9 cases were in TTSH for observation. Of these 9 cases, 3 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases and 6 are still under observation. Of the 6 cases under observation, 4 have travelled to SARS affected areas, while the remaining 2 cases, have no travel or contact history
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 62
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 62
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged: 170
Hospitalised: 3 (including 1 in ICU)
Deaths: 32
Probable cases: 206*
Suspect cases: 0
Observation cases: 6
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travelling during June holidays
The Ministry urges all Singaporeans to avoid travel to SARS-affected countries and areas as recommended by the World Health Organisation. If you have to visit these places, it is advisable for you to avoid crowded places. It is good to practise personal hygiene habits like washing your hands frequently, and avoiding the sharing of eating utensils or personal items. You should check your temperature and that of your children, twice daily while away and for 10 days after your return to Singapore. If you or your family become unwell, please seek medical attention early and be certain to inform your doctor of your travel history.

Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, China until another time.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
20 Jun 2003

MOH PRESS RELEASE 17 Jun 2003
No New Probable Cases
Situation Update
There were no new probable SARS cases since the last MOH press release on 13 June 2003. There was one death on 16 June 2003. She was a 60 year old female admitted to TTSH on 19 April 2003. She was a friend of a probable SARS patient. On 17 June 2003, of the 206 probable SARS cases, 169 patients (82%) have recovered. Four patients are still in the hospital, including one in the ICU. The number of deaths is 32.
Suspect cases
Since 13 June 2003, there have been no new cases.
Observation cases
>From 13 June to 17 June 2003, a total of 16 cases were in TTSH for observation. Of these 16 cases, 13 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases and 3 are still under observation. Of the three cases under observation, one has a travel history to SARS affected areas, and for the remaining two cases, their contact histories are being investigated.
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 56
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 56
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged: 169
Hospitalised: 4 (including 1 in ICU)
Deaths: 32
Probable cases: 206*
Suspect cases: 0
Observation cases: 3
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travelling during June holidays
The June school holidays have started this week. Travel agencies have reported an increased number of overseas holiday bookings. The Ministry would like to urge all Singaporeans to avoid travel to SARS-affected countries and areas as recommended by the WHO. If you have to visit these places, it is advisable for you to avoid crowded places. It is good to practise personal hygiene habits like washing your hands frequently, and avoiding the sharing of eating utensils or personal items. You should check your temperature, and that of your children, twice daily while away and for 10 days after your return to Singapore. If you or your family become unwell, please seek medical attention early and be certain to inform your doctor of your travel history.
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, China until another time.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
17 June 2003

MOH PRESS RELEASE 6 Jun 2003
SARS: NO NEW PROBABLE CASES
Situation Update
Since the last MOH press update on 3 Jun 03, there have been no new probable cases and no deaths. One patient has since been discharged.
The total number of patients who have recovered from SARS is now 166. 8 patients remain hospitalised, including 4 who are in intensive care.
New suspect case
Since 3 Jun 2003, there were no new suspect cases admitted to TTSH.
New observation cases
>From 3 to 6 June 2003, a total of 6 cases were admitted to TTSH for observation for fever. Of these, 5 have been diagnosed as non-SARS cases, while one is still under observation. This case is a 45 year old man who had travelled Shanghai.
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 33
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 33
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:166
Hospitalised:8 (including 4 in ICU)
Deaths:31
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:0
Observation cases:1
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Tianjin and Taiwan until another time.


MINISTRY OF HEALTH
6 JUN 2003

3 Jun 2003

SARS: NO NEW PROBABLE CASES

Phased lifting of restrictions on inter-hospital movement for healthcare workers
As the last probable SARS case in Singapore was isolated on 11 May, the restriction of inter-hospital movement of healthcare workers (HCW) will be lifted in phases. The categories of HCW include doctors, nurses, therapists, hospital aides, as well as nurses who are self-employed or from private nursing agencies, and locum doctors.
Private sector Healthcare Institutions (HCIs)


With effect from today, HCWs in the private sector will be allowed to move freely across private HCIs without restriction.
HCWs in the private sector will be allowed to practise or work in public HCIs with effect from 16 June 2003.

Public sector Healthcare Institutions (HCIs)
The lifting of the restrictions on HCWs in the public HCIs will be done in several phases:


The first group of HCWs allowed to move across the public HCIs were Medical Officers who were rotated to new postings in public HCIs on 2 June 2003.
On 9 June 2003, advanced specialist trainees will move to their new postings in public HCIs.
With effect from 16 June 2003, all other HCWs in the public HCIs will be allowed to work in other public HCIs. In addition, HCWs in public HCIs will also be allowed to work in the private HCIs from 16 June 2003.

Systems for monitoring HCWs in public and private sector hospitals
As a safeguard against cross institutional spread of infection, all HCIs will be required to closely monitor all HCWs working in their HCI who were practising within the last 10 days in another HCI, to ensure that they are afebrile and well.
Need to maintain a high level of vigilance
The Ministry has reminded all HCIs of the need to maintain the current high level of vigilance and infection control. Surveillance for clusters of patients and staff with fever in hospitals and nursing homes will also continue.
Situation Update
Since the last MOH press update on 31 May 2003, there have been no new probable cases, no discharges and no deaths.
Suspect cases
Since 31 May 2003, there are no new suspect cases admitted to TTSH. The 47-year-old man reported as a suspect case on 31 May has since been diagnosed to have a non-SARS illness and discharged well.
Observation cases
>From 31 May 2003 to 3 June 2003, a total of 14 cases were admitted for observation for fever. Of these, 9 have since been diagnosed as non-SARS cases, while 5 are still under observation. Of the 5 cases under observation, two had travelled to China and Hong Kong. The other three do not have any contact history at this point in time.
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 61
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 61
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:165
Hospitalised:9 (including 4 in ICU)
Deaths:31
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:0
Observation cases:5
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Tianjin and Taiwan until another time.
Current updates on SARS
As the current situation has stabilised, the daily MOH press update on SARS will be replaced with a twice-weekly update- every Tuesday and Friday. This took effect from 1 June 2003.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
3 June 2003

31 May 2003
SARS: NO NEW PROBABLE CASES
Situation Update
There were no new probable SARS cases, discharges or deaths reported today.
The total number of patients who have recovered from SARS stands at 165. 9 patients remain hospitalised, including 4 who are in intensive care.
New suspect case
There is one new suspect case admitted to TTSH today. He is a 47 year old man who returned to Singapore from China on 22 May 03.
New observation cases
There are six new cases today who were admitted for observation of fever comprising 4 males and 2 females. One of them had travelled to China. The others do not have any contact history at this point in time.
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 230
Contacts under home quarantine = 0
Total under home quarantine orders = 230
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:165
Hospitalised:9 (including 4 in ICU)
Deaths:31
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:1
Observation cases:8
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes

Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Tianjin and Taiwan until another time.

Future updates on SARS
As the current situation has stabilised, the daily MOH press update on SARS will henceforth be replaced with a twice-weekly update - every Tuesday and Friday. This will take effect from 1 June 2003.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
31 MAY 2003

28 May 2003

SARS: NO NEW PROBABLE CASES
Situation Update
There were no new probable SARS cases, discharges or deaths reported today. There were also no new suspect or observation cases admitted to TTSH.
The total number of patients who have recovered from SARS stands at 165. 9 patients remained hospitalised, including 5 who are in intensive care.
Updates on Foreign Media Stories of Possible SARS Cases Connected with Singapore
The Star and New Straits Times (5 May)
The Star and New Straits Times reported on 5 May 2003 that a 35-year-old lorry driver from Negri Sembilan, who had delivered scrap metal to Singapore, was a suspect SARS case.
After making his delivery on 28 April 2003, he returned to Malaysia the same evening, developed fever as well as cough on 1 May 2003 and was admitted into Seremban Hospital.
We are glad that the man's chest X-ray was normal and that he has been discharged from hospital. Based on our investigations, he did not have contact with any SARS patient in Singapore.
The Star and New Straits Times (6 May)
On 6 May, the Star and New Straits Times carried reports that a 22-year-old Malaysian woman, working as a cashier in the Ang Mo Kio Light Rapid Transit (LRT) station in Singapore, developed a fever, cough and breathing difficulties when she returned to Malaysia on 1 May 2003.
She was reported to have informed the Malaysian Health Ministry that she had been in contact with a Singaporean friend who had SARS and had died on 24 April 2003. Our investigations revealed that no such person visited Singapore recently. There is also no record of such an employee. There is also no LRT station in Ang Mo Kio.
The same reports also referred to an 85-year-old Singaporean man who visited Malaysia on 27 April, fell ill on 1 May 2003 and was admitted into KL Hospital. He was subsequently treated as a probable SARS patient.
Our investigations showed that the 85-year-old man departed from Singapore on 15 April 2003. The time gap between this date and 1 May 2003 exceeds the 10-day SARS incubation period. He has since been diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and is on his way to recovery.
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 376
Contacts under home quarantine = 53
Total under home quarantine orders = 429
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:165
Hospitalised:9 (including 5 in ICU)
Deaths:31
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:0
Observation cases:4
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Tianjin and Taiwan until another time.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
28 MAY 2003

26 May 2003
SARS: No New Probable Cases
Situation Update
There were no new probable SARS cases, discharges or deaths reported today.
The total number of patients who have recovered from SARS still stands at 165. Nine patients remained hospitalised, including 5 who are in intensive care.
Suspect Cases
There were no new suspect cases admitted to TTSH today.
Observation Cases
There was one admission for observation today. The 35-year-old male air steward was on a flight to Shanghai on 16 May 2003. He did not disembark during the 1 hour transit. He developed fever on 19 May 03.
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 448
Contacts under home quarantine = 62
Total under home quarantine orders = 510
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:165
Hospitalised:9 (including 5 in ICU)
Deaths:31
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:1
Observation cases:2
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Tianjin and Taiwan until another time.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
26 MAY 2003

26 May 2003
SARS AND IMMIGRATION OFFENDERS / ILLEGAL FOREIGN WORKERS

Everyone must play a part in fighting SARS by exercising responsible behaviour. This includes coming forward to seek medical attention if one is sick. Preventing the spread of SARS is everyone's responsibility and in one's own interest.
The Government has maintained open and transparent communication with all sectors of the population. Foreign workers are among the various groups that the Government is reaching out to share information about SARS and the precautions to take. They have been issued with health advisories in their native languages educating them on SARS and its prevention at the workplace. We are reiterating our call to all foreign workers to seek prompt medical treatment at one of the following four polyclinics, if they have a possible SARS infection (SARS-related symptoms include a sudden onset of high fever and one or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing) and/or have had close contact with a SARS patient. These four Polyclinics have specially fitted facilities to provide screening and medical treatment for patients with fever:


Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic
2 Teck Whye Crescent, #01-11
Singapore 688846
Tel: 67659659
Yishun Polyclinic
100 Yishun Central
Singapore 768826
Tel: 67577790
Geylang Polyclinic
21 Geylang East Central
Singapore 389707
Tel: 68422440
Tampines Polyclinic
1 Tampines Street 41
Singapore 529203
Tel: 67864070


SARS is infectious and in the absence of a vaccine or cure, early treatment is critical to recovery. For their own health and continued livelihood, all foreign workers, regardless of the means through which they arrived in Singapore or employment status, are encouraged to look after their own health and that of their fellow countrymen and friends.
For those foreign workers who did not enter Singapore through the normal immigration channels or have overstayed, and voluntarily come forward to seek treatment for a possible SARS infection and, or have had close contact with a SARS patient, the Government is prepared to consider their immigration or illegal employment offence compassionately. To protect themselves from being infected with SARS, foreign workers should inform Police or the Ministry of Heath of any of their friends who have symptoms of SARS. Appropriate medical treatment will be given.
We wish to remind the public that it is an offence to offer shelter and employ immigration offenders. Besides being liable for prosecution, harbourers and employers of immigration offenders / illegal foreign workers also run the risk of exposing themselves to SARS should these offenders be infected with SARS. They should thus encourage offenders who they know of and are unwell to seek medical treatment at one of the four polyclinics listed at Para 2.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF MANPOWER

26 MAY 2003

25 May 2003
SARS: NO NEW PROBABLE CASES
Situation Update

There were no new SARS probable cases reported today.

One more patient has been discharged, bringing the total number of patients who have recovered from SARS to 165. Nine patients remained hospitalised, including 5 who are in intensive care.

Suspect and Observation Cases
There were no new suspect or observation cases admitted to TTSH today.

Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 510
Contacts under home quarantine = 42
Total under home quarantine orders = 552
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.

Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:165
Hospitalised:9 (including 5 in ICU)
Deaths:31
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:1
Observation cases:2
*Includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Tianjin and Taiwan until another time.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
25 MAY 2003

22 May 2003

SARS: NO NEW PROBABLE CASES TODAY
There are no new probable cases or patient discharges today. The number of patients who have recovered from SARS remains at 162, with 12 patients hospitalised, of which 5 are in intensive care.
Two patients, who were admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) on 6 and 7 April 2003, passed away today. Both were inpatients of Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Ward 57/58, who had been subsequently transferred to TTSH. The two men, aged 64 and 78 years were reported as probable cases on 10 and 11 April 2003 respectively.
Update on Foreign Media Stories of Possible SARS Cases Connected With Singapore
The Nation and Bangkok Post
The Nation and Bangkok Post reported on 13 May reported that a 32-year-old Thai, working illegally in Singapore, was diagnosed as a probable SARS case. She had a fever of 39.6 degrees Celsius upon arrival at Don Muang Airport on 30 Apr.
While under custody, she did not complain of any medical problems. On the morning of her departure to Thailand, she complained of some skin discomfort. She was brought to a doctor who examined her and treated her skin condition. When she left for the airport in the afternoon, she was well and at the airport, she was checked and cleared by the thermal scanner.
There has been no record of SARS in the lock-up facilities that she was housed in. It is therefore unlikely that she had contracted SARS.
The Star, New Straits Times, The Sun, Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia
The Star, New Straits Times, The Sun, Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia reported on 17 May that a 29-year-old Bangladeshi businessman at Kuala Lumpur International Airport had a fever and a cough on arrival from Singapore, on 14 May.
The businessman came to Singapore on 10 May 2003, by bus, through Woodlands Checkpoint. He checked in at Changi Airport at around 10.30 pm on 13 May 2003 for his flight to Kuala Lumpur. When he was screened on his entry into the transit lounge, he did not have a fever. Next morning, he took the 8.45 am flight to Kuala Lumpur.
We are glad to note from the Tunku Ampuan Hospital that he has since been diagnosed with dengue fever and not SARS, and has been discharged.
Times of India
The Times of India reported on 13 May 2003 that a 25-year-old man in Gujarat, with a travel history to Singapore, had tested positive for the SARS virus and was admitted to Ahmedabad hospital on 6 May.
The man arrived in Singapore from Chennai on 26 April 2003. As he was carrying a tampered passport, he was denied entry at the airport. He never left the airport and took the earliest available flight back to Chennai. We are glad to note that he has since been discharged and is therefore not a SARS suspect. Indeed, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has continued to classify India as being SARS-free.
Singapore has implemented measures over and above WHO's guidelines to contain the spread of SARS to the community. Thermal imaging scanners are deployed at Changi Airport to check the temperatures of all incoming and departing visitors to Singapore to minimise the possibility of any spread of infection into or beyond Singapore.
Suspect Cases
No new suspect cases are admitted today.
Observation Cases
There are 2 new admissions for observation for fever today. They are two men whose ages are 74 and 32 years respectively. Both do not have a contact history.
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:

Number #Discharged patients under home quarantine: 510

Contacts under home quarantine: 15

Total under home quarantine orders: 525

*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of the SARS cases to date:

Discharged: 162

Hospitalised: 12 (including 5 in intensive care)

Deaths: 31

Probable Cases: 206*

Suspect Cases: 0

Observation Cases: 11

*includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hong Kong, Hebei, Guangdong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Tianjin and Taiwan until another time.


MINISTRY OF HEALTH
22 MAY 2003

20 May 2003

SARS UPDATE ON SITUATION

There are no new probable cases, discharges or deaths reported today. The number of patients who have recovered from SARS remains at 161, with 16 patients still hospitalised, and 7 of them in intensive care.
All, except 6, of Mr Lee Chong Kian's contacts have been screened by Health Promotion Board nurses. They are all currently well. Investigations are still on-going to determine the source of infection.
Suspect Cases
There are also no new suspect cases admitted today.
New Observation Cases
7 patients were admitted today for observation. Among them is a 50-year-old wholesaler from the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Market and two women who arrived in Singapore from Shanghai. The remaining observation cases include a 2-year-old boy, a 29-year-old male and two 70-year-old men, who do not have a definite contact history at this point in time.
Quarantine Figures*

Number #Discharged patients under home quarantine: 470

Contacts under home quarantine: 58

Total under home quarantine orders: 528

*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of the SARS cases to date:

Discharged: 161

Hospitalised: 16 (including 7 in intensive care)

Deaths: 28

Total No. of Probable Cases: 206*

Total No. of Suspect Cases: 1

Total No. of Observation Cases: 12

*includes 1 case who died from non-SARS causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hong Kong, Hebei, Guangdong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Tianjin and Taipei until another time.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
20 MAY 2003

19 May 2003
SARS UPDATE ON SITUATION
There are no new probable cases today. One patient has been discharged. The number of patients who have recovered from SARS is now 161, with 16 patients still hospitalised and 7 of them in intensive care.
So far, about 90 per cent of Mr Lee Chong Kian's contacts have been screened by Health Promotion Board nurses. They are all currently well. Investigations are still on-going to determine the source of infection.
Suspect Cases
There are no new suspect cases admitted today.
New Observation Cases
3 patients were admitted today for observation. Two have a travel history to SARS affected areas. They are a 36-year old male Singaporean and a 49-year old male foreigner. The contact history for the 3rd patient (a 46-year old male Singaporean) is unclear at this point in time.
Quarantine Figures*
Number #Discharged patients under home quarantine: 449

Contacts under home quarantine: 39

Total under home quarantine orders: 488

*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of the SARS cases to date:

Discharged: 161

Hospitalised: 16 (including 7 in intensive care)

Deaths: 28

Total No. of Probable Cases: 206*

Total No. of Suspect Cases: 2

Total No. of Observation Cases: 6

*includes 1 case who died from non-SARs causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hong Kong, Hebei, Guangdong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Tianjin and Taipei until another time.


MINISTRY OF HEALTH
19 MAY 2003

18 May 2003

SARS: ONE PROBABLE CASE
Probable Case
A patient who has been admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) since 11 May 2003 has been diagnosed to have probable SARS today.
The patient became unwell on 5 May 2003 and was admitted to TTSH on 11 May 2003. On admission to TTSH, his chest X-ray showed early changes of pneumonia. He had a history of travel to Malaysia on 18 April, 1 May and 5 May 2003. He did not have any known contact with SARS cases in Singapore. He was managed as a case of atypical pneumonia and started on antibiotics. Contact tracing was initiated and home quarantine orders were issued to his close contacts. His temperature became lower and samples sent for PCR testing for coronavirus were negative on 11 and 12 May 2003.
His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to intensive care on 13 May 2003 and intubated on 15 May 2003. Repeat samples were taken for PCR testing for coronavirus on 16 May. The result obtained on the night of 17 May 2003 was positive. In line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, the test was repeated on this sample on 18 May 2003 and the result is positive. Two of the additional samples taken on 18 May 2003 were positive using a different PCR test kit. A blood test was also positive for antibodies to SARS on 18 May 2003.
The patient's movements from the 5 to 11 May 2003 are as follows:

5 May 2003He went to work in the morning.
At 6.00 pm, he drove to Carrefour in Johore Bahru to meet up with a friend. He suddenly felt feverish and developed a cough. He returned to Singapore at 9.00 pm.
At 9.30 pm, he went to see his General Practitioner (GP) at Bukit Gombak and was given medical leave for 3 days.
6 May 2003He stayed at home

7 May 2003At 10.15 am, he went to see the same GP as he had developed diarrhoea as well.
8 May 2003At 9.00 am, he went to see the same GP.
9 May 2003He went to work from 8.00 - 9.30 am but was told by his employer to return home as he was unwell.
At 11.30 am, he went to see the same GP.
10 May 2003He stayed home.
11 May 2003At 11.30 am, he went to see the same GP. At 12 noon, he was sent to TTSH by ambulance.

MOH has been calling up, by telephone, the persons on the contact list for the patient. So far, three quarters of them have been reached and have reported that they are well. Nurses will be sent down to screen all these contacts in their homes.
In addition, the Ministry has decided to put out a public appeal for contacts of the patient. The patient is Mr. Lee Chong Kian, a 39-year-old man who works as a Quantity Surveyor at two sites, one at Bukit Gombak near the Gombak MRT Station and another at Bedok North near to Block 78.
Anyone who was in close contact with Mr Lee during the period from 5 May to 11 May 2003 is to contact MOH at 1800-333-9999 (8.00 am - 11 pm). If you were in close contact with Mr Lee during this period and are unwell, the Ministry advises you to call 993 immediately for the MOH Special Ambulance, which will send you to TTSH for an assessment.
The Ministry has forwarded information of this case to the Malaysian health authorities.
Situation Update
3 patients were discharged today, bring the number of patients who have recovered from SARS to 160, with 17 patients still hospitalised and 7 of them in intensive care.
Suspect Cases
There were no new suspect cases admitted today.
New Observation Cases
There were 2 admissions today for observation of fever. One is a 32-year-old traveller and the other is a 23-year-old Indian national whose contact history is unclear at this point in time.
Quarantine Figures*
The quarantine figures are as follows:
#Discharged patients under home quarantine = 459
Contacts under home quarantine = 10
Total under home quarantine orders = 469
*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of SARS cases is as follows:
Discharged:160
Hospitalised:17 (including 7 in ICU)
Deaths:28
Probable cases:206*
Suspect cases:2
Observation cases:4
*includes 1 case who died from non-SARs causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed WHO's advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hong Kong, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Guangdong, Shanxi, Tianjin and Taipei until another time.


MINISTRY OF HEALTH
18 MAY 2003

17 May 2003

SARS UPDATE ON SITUATION AND IMH
The Ministry of Health has now established that the cluster of IMH patients and staff who came down with fever from 11th to 12th May is not due to SARs. A total of 54 persons comprising 34 inpatients and 20 staff from IMH were admitted to TTSH for observation for fever. All the patients were in stable condition. Since yesterday, 25 have been discharged. So far, PCR testing for coronavirus has been negative in samples taken from 40 patients. Of 9 patients who were tested, 6 were positive for influenza B virus.
On 13th May, when the outbreak of fever cases amongst staff and patients were discovered, IMH and the Ministry of Health jointly decided that it would be prudent for all IMH staff to observe isolation for a period of 10 days from 14 May 2003 till 23 May 2003. During this time, the staff would continue to work and to look after their patients.
There was thus an urgent need to obtain immediately available housing for the nearly 1400 staff. As a HDB housing flat in Woodlands were available, the first batch of staff moved into the flat on the same night.

Following that, hotel accomodation was arranged in the interests of staff welfare, as the staff were continuing to work whilst awaiting the results of the investigations into the fever outbreak. The IMH staff are to be commended for working cohesively as a group and working selflessly in their patients' interests during a difficult period.
As at 2pm today, there continue to be no new probable cases, discharges or deaths reported. The number of patients who have recovered from SARS is 157, with 19 patients still hospitalised and 7 of them in intensive care.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
17 MAY 2003

16 May 2003

SARS UPDATE ON SITUATION AND IMH
There are no new probable cases, discharges or deaths reported today. The number of patients who have recovered from SARS is 157, with 19 patients still hospitalised and 7 of them in intensive care.
Institute of Mental Health (IMH)
Situation Update
There are currently 32 inpatients and 12 staff from IMH warded in TTSH for observation of fever. They are all in stable condition. The patients are from Wards 64, 65, 35 and 50B. Three more staff were discharged today, bringing the total number of staff discharges from the IMH cluster to 8. These staff were discharged as they had no fever for more than 48 hours.
So far, PCR testing for coronavirus has been negative in samples taken from 21 patients. Of 9 patients who were tested, 6 were positive for influenza B virus. As investigations are still in progress, the IMH cluster will continue to be managed as a SARS outbreak.
Telephone Lines Set Up for Patients and Public
IMH has set up these telephone lines for the public and patients to call in if they need assistance.

Outpatients who may miss their follow-up appointments as a result of the closure of the outpatients' clinic at IMH will be contacted progressively to arrange for them to collect their medicines at the Alexandra Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic along Viking Road. The clinic will be open from 8 am to 8 pm. Outpatients who have been called by IMH to collect their medicines should go to the Alexandra Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic at the appointed time.
For outpatients who require medicines in advance of their original follow-up appointments, they can call IMH at 63892119, 63892120, 63892121, or 63892122, Mon-Fri 9am -6pm and Sat 9am-1pm.
Outpatients who require non-medical assistance can call 63892000, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-12 pm.
For other general enquiries, the public may call 1800-3864541, Mon-Fri, 8am-10pm and Sat-Sun 9am-1pm

Suspect Cases
There were no new suspect cases admitted today.
One case previously admitted for observation has been re-classified as a suspect case today based on positive travel history to Taipei.
New Observation Cases
In addition to the IMH cluster, there was 1 patient admitted for observation today.
Quarantine Figures*

Number #Discharged patients under home quarantine: 498 (including 20 patients discharged from IMH)

Contacts under home quarantine: 305 (including 295 related to IMH cluster)

Total under home quarantine orders: 803

*Quarantine cases refer to those who are required to stay at home for precautionary reasons as they may have had contact with a SARS patient. These are healthy individuals.
# This is an added precautionary measure for discharged SARS patients as well as those with co-morbidities.
Summary of SARS Cases
A summary of the SARS cases to date:

Discharged: 157

Hospitalised: 19 (including 7 in intensive care)

Deaths: 28

Total No. of Probable Cases: 205*

Total No. of Suspect Cases: 2

Total No. of Observation Cases: 9 + 44 from IMH cluster

*includes 1 case who died from non-SARs causes
Travel Advisory
MOH urges the public to heed the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s advice to postpone travel to Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangdong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Tianjin and Taipei until another time.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
16 MAY 2003

MEASURES TO PREVENT THE IMPORTATION OF SARS INTO SINGAPORE BY STUDENTS
The Ministry of Education (MOE) introduced a series of precautionary measures to keep schools free from SARS when it reopened schools earlier. These measures were organised along four lines of defence:

i)The first line is what MOH is doing to contain SARS in Singapore and minimise the chance of SARS spreading in the community.
ii)The second line is parents and students themselves. Parents and students must exercise social responsibility and take the basic precautions to safeguard their children and their schoolmates.
iii)The third line of defence comprises screening and other proactive measures in our schools to keep them free from SARS.
iv)The fourth line of defence is rapid response to isolate any cases that may slip through our first three lines of defence.

On 22 April 2003, MOE announced an enhancement of its 3rd line of defence, by requiring every student to take his temperature in school twice daily. MOE would issue every student with a personal digital thermometer for this purpose. Daily temperature taking for students in our schools began with Primary 1-4 students on 30 April. This has been progressively rolled out to other levels. By 19 May, all students from Primary to Junior College/Centralised Institute level would have been issued personal thermometers, and a twice-daily temperature taking regime implemented for all schools.

Even as Singapore seems to be achieving some success in our battle against SARS, our schools have to continue to be vigilant to ensure that they remain safe for students and staff. The fever cluster at the Institute of Mental Health serves as a sharp reminder that we have to be on our guard.

MOE has therefore reviewed our precautionary measures, and intend to further strengthen our ring-fence around schools to ensure that SARS is not inadvertently imported into our school environment when students return from overseas travel during the June school vacations.

The following measures are currently in place for students who return from overseas:
i)Students who return from SARS-affected countries are issued a 10-day Leave of Absence (LOA) from the date of return. They are advised to stay at home and are not allowed to go to school during the LOA period. When they return to school, their temperature will be checked daily for an additional 4 days.
ii)Students who return from all other countries are monitored by the school and required to have their temperatures che