Singaporeans in state for short-term visits told to observe guidelines

KUCHING: The State Disaster Management Committee is reminding Singaporeans coming to Sarawak for short-term visits to observe the guidelines set by the Health Ministry with regard to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

It said this was in response to the many queries regarding its earlier announcement yesterday on the need for those returning to the state from Singapore, to undergo 14 days of selfquarantine at home.

“The ministry guidelines say for those coming for any events or function, it will be the responsibility of the organisers or the secretariat to be responsible to ensure the following necessary precautionary measures,” it said in a statement.

According to the guidelines, individuals who are unwell must avoid coming into Sarawak for any function, meeting, gathering, conference and other events, while those who fall sick during any of such events must seek immediate medical attention.

The ministry also said anyone coming from Singapore must avoid shaking hands or being in physical contact with other participants and should also consider adopting alternative forms of greeting each other.

“On the part of the organiser or secretariat, they must provide face masks to those with respiratory symptoms prior to coming in. The organisers or the secretariat must deny entry to unwell individuals.”

The ministry also said handrub or hand sanitiser should be provided at pre- and postentrance into the facility or meeting room, with temperature screening carried out if possible.

“Increase the frequency of cleaning of all commonly used areas like washrooms, registration and payment counters and dining areas.

“The Immigration Department counters, for instance, must do frequent cleaning and wiping of their thumbprint machines,” said the statement.

The statement also said a registration list of all participants must also be maintained.