MERS tests on 62 suspected cases turn up negative
The ICU isolation ward at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, prepared for MERS. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE – As of last Friday (July 10), 62 suspected cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus have been investigated in Singapore, and all have tested negative for the virus.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong revealed these figures in Parliament today (July 14) in response to questions on the screening measures and emergency preparedness exercises to manage the virus. He also said an Inter-Ministerial Committee was formed since late last year to oversee the “whole-of-government preparedness against dangerous infectious diseases including MERS and Ebola”.
Other measures put in place over MERS include temperature screening at air checkpoints for direct flights from the Middle East and South Korea.
Asked by Member of Parliament (Mountbatten) Lim Biow Chuan if the Ministry of Health would consider implementing health screenings at customs, airports and the Causeway checkpoint, Mr Gan said that MERS has an incubation period of 14 days and those carrying the virus may not immediately show symptoms.
In addition, people may not directly travel through affected areas, which is why border screening processes are not “100 per cent foolproof”, he added.
