SINGAPORE: The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said on Wednesday (Dec 30) it will further tighten COVID-19 measures for air crew of Singapore carriers with immediate effect.
"This is in view of the heightened risk of COVID-19 infection overseas given the resurgence observed in several parts of the world," said CAAS, adding that the move also follows the recent COVID-19 cases involving a Singapore Airlines (SIA) steward and a pilot.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAir crew who layover in "high-risk destinations" will be required to undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on three occasions - upon arrival in Singapore, and on the third and seventh day following their return.
Crew will also be required to self-isolate until they receive a negative result from their seventh-day PCR test, said CAAS.
Additionally, air crew on layover will be required to further minimise their contact with locals when they are overseas.
"For example, food delivered through room service should be left outside the room at the door instead of being handed over," said CAAS.
AdvertisementAdvertisementWith immediate effect, crew travelling to and from South Africa will also wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, face shields, protective gowns and gloves.
These requirements have already been in place for crew travelling to and from the United Kingdom since Dec 24, noted CAAS.
South Africa and the UK have both recently reported cases infected by variants of the coronavirus that are potentially more contagious.
PASSENGERS SERVED BY SIA STEWARD TEST NEGATIVE
AdvertisementAn SIA steward who recently tested positive for COVID-19 last worked on SQ24 to New York on Dec 12 and returned to Singapore on SQ23 on Dec 16.
He tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec 27.
"CAAS' preliminary investigation showed that the cabin crew had adhered to the mandated in-flight and layover measures, including wearing mask, minimising contact with passengers and locals, and staying in his hotel room throughout," said the agency.
"During the layover in New York, he interacted with the immigration officer and hotel check-in staff and collected his meal from a hotel staff who delivered it to his room."
All crew members and 16 passengers who were seated in the section of the aircraft cabin served by him on SQ23 have tested negative for COVID-19, said CAAS.
His identified close contacts have been placed on quarantine order, while contact tracing continues.
SIA PILOT HAD NO CONTACT WITH PASSENGERS
The SIA pilot who also tested positive for COVID-19 last worked on SQ322 to London on Dec 19 and returned to Singapore on SQ317 on Dec 22.
He tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec 29. He has also preliminarily tested positive for the potentially more contagious B117 strain circulating in the UK, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.
All of the man's identified close contacts have been placed on quarantine order.
A preliminary investigation showed that the pilot had also adhered to the mandated in-flight and layover measures, said CAAS.
He had no contact with passengers on board the flight.
"During the layover in London, he interacted with the immigration officer and hotel check-in staff, and also collected his meal from a hotel staff who delivered it to his room," CAAS added.
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