Singapore: Details of the Influenza Pandemic Plan

Details of the Influenza Pandemic Plan
12 Jan 2009

http://www.moh.gov.sg/mohcorp/currentissues.aspx?id=20764

Excerpt:
Annex J

BORDER HEALTH CONTROL MEASURES

1. Measures implemented at the border checkpoints form our first line of
defence against possible importation of influenza case(s). The border control
measures include inbound and outbound temperature screening, issue of
Health Alert Notices (HANs) and filling in of Health Declaration Cards (HDCs).

2. The concept is to adopt a phased and gradual approach to step up
control measures in accordance with the changing circumstances as guided
by the principle of risk management. The implementation and subsequent
stepping up of the various border control measures is determined by the
DORSCON-FLU alert levels, with the aim to have early detection and
prevention of possible importation.

ACTIVATION AND ALERT OF BORDER CONTROL AGENCIES

3. Border Health Control Work Group. Ministry of Health (MOH),
being the lead agency, is responsible for the prevention of introduction of
infectious diseases into Singapore. MOH chairs the Border Health Control
work group, which comes under the framework of the Inter-Ministry
Operations Committee (IMOC), to integrate measures to prevent the
introduction of all infectious diseases into Singapore. The Border Health
Control Work Group reviews the work processes at various air, sea and land
checkpoints with respect to the prevention of introduction of infectious
diseases (such as SARS) into Singapore. The Work Group also establishes a
working framework to address emerging diseases of concern, such as
influenza pandemic scenarios.

4. Alert and Activation. When the border control measures are to be
implemented, MOH Ops Centre will alert the following agencies:

a. The contracted service provider to activate temperature
screening at the various border checkpoints.

b. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) - For facilitation
and monitoring of temperature screening at the Changi Airport and
Seletar Airport for affected countries.

c. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – For facilitation and
monitoring of appropriate border control measures at the two land
checkpoints in Woodlands and Tuas. Link-ups with existing bilateral
platforms established with Malaysian counterparts for information
exchange to formalize implementation of agreed common border
protocols. Issuance of Health Alert Notices (HANs) and Health
Declaration Cards (HDCs) for incoming travellers from affected
countries; and

d. Maritime Port Authority (MPA) – For facilitation and monitoring
of temperature screening at the various ferry terminals.

PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT (TEMPERATURE SCREENING)

5. Preventing Import (Management of Cases). Once Alert YELLOW is
triggered, temperature screening will be activated at selected or all border
checkpoints. MOH would activate the contracted service provider and alert
ICA, CAAS and MPA, to implement medical and temperature screening at the
various land, air and sea checkpoints accordingly. Management of
symptomatic or febrile cases is similar to handling of SARS cases. Thermal
scanners or tempadots will be used to pick up potentially feverish cases at the
points of entry. If a passenger fails the series of temperature checks by the
nurse and upon examination by the designated doctor is recommended for
further medical screening at the hospital, then the dedicated 993 ambulance
service will ferry these potentially-affected cases to Tan Tock Seng Hospital
(TTSH)/ Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) for follow-up.