92 Singaporeans return home from Wuhan; 'some' who show symptoms of virus remain behind
Ninety-two Singaporeans arrived in Singapore from Wuhan, China on Thursday (Jan 30).
SINGAPORE — Ninety-two Singaporeans arrived home from Wuhan, China on Thursday (Jan 30) morning, accompanied by officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
The returning Singaporeans would undergo medical screening upon arrival at Changi Airport, MFA said in a statement.
Those with a fever or respiratory symptoms would be taken to designated hospitals for further examination, while the remaining passengers, including the MFA consular officers who facilitated the return, would be quarantined for 14 days.
Speaking at a press conference on the Wuhan virus situation, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong said that the majority of Singaporeans who were in Wuhan have returned. However, some Singaporeans are unable to come back as they are already symptomatic.
"So, it is probably not safe for them to be on the same plane (as others)," said Mr Wong, who did not provide the exact numbers.
He added that these Singaporeans "may well have to stay quarantined in China". Nevertheless, Singapore authorities are in touch with all of them to ensure that they are okay.
In a telephone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s appreciation to the Chinese authorities for facilitating the Singaporeans’ return.
