Coronavirus: Singapore closes its borders for new visitors from China

In view of dely Coronavirus outbreak, Singapore has decided to close its borders for all new visitors from China, becoming  first country in Souast Asia to do so.

country's move is aimed to curb spre of dely virus which also includes foreigners who travelled to Singapore in past 14 days, South China Morning Post (SMCP) reported. While visas will be suspended immediately, travel restriction will begin at 11:59 pm on Saturday.

Singaporean residents and citizens who travelled to China will be able to return to state, but y will be subject to a 14-day leave of absence during which y are encourd to stay at home, as per SCMP report.

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anuncement came a day after World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations that closing down borders with China could be ineffective and that such a decision could result in a greater spre of dely virus. 

In a bid to increase precautionary measures against fast-spreing Coronavirus which has claimed 213 lives in China, Singapore students were instructed to clear out ir dorms so that y may be turned into isolation wards for ir peers. decision came soon after country confirmed five cases of dely virus. 

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Chinese students quarantined in Singapore

Singapore in a recent statement h anunced that it is trying to get in contact with around 2,000 people that recently travelled to Hubei province in China. Back in 2003, Singapore, that is a travel and tourism hub was hit hard by outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus too.

Students returning from China and especially Hubei province were being isolated and quarantined immediately upon ir return. As per a UN report, students from mainland China make up largest group of international students because y are drawn by Singapore's multiple top-ranked universities.

Local media h reported that military facilities and or structures were being used for purpose of isolating infected. authorities have also anunced that individuals that do t comply with quarantine orders could be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to 6 months or both.

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(With inputs from ANI)

(Im source: AP)