SINGAPORE, June 20 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) is monitoring developments closely and for now, travellers arriving from Thailand — which reported yesterday (June 18) its first confirmed Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) case — would not be screened, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said yesterday.

“We have a protocol in place. Currently, we are screening passengers arriving from MERS-infected areas, places like Korea as well as the Middle East,” he said.

For Thailand, the sole case is “contained”, he added.

“If necessary, then we will look at what other measures may be introduced.”

Gan was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Chinese Development Assistance Council’s Annual General Meeting.

Last week, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said it was “a matter of time” before the Republic has its first MERS case, and Singaporeans should take the health scare seriously but there is no need to panic because preparations have been made.

Echoing Lee’s comments, Gan said hospitals here have been reminded repeatedly to make sure they are ready for any outbreak, and that they remain vigilant. Simulation drills are conducted to ensure healthcare workers are familiar with the procedures in handling MERS cases.

The MOH also regularly sends reminders and updates to general practitioners on the latest developments.

Meanwhile, the news has prompted some Singaporeans to cancel their trips or enquire about the situation in Thailand.

Among the seven travel agencies TODAY contacted, most said that they have not received any cancellations or enquiries regarding the situation in Thailand.

However, one of the agencies, Asia Travel Group, said that a small proportion of its customers who were going to Thailand had cancelled their bookings after the news broke.

Kliff Ang, the agency’s director, said: “In such a short span of time, there are already people who are concerned...When it comes to this kind of thing, Singaporeans are very serious about this.”

CTC said it has received one or two enquiries on their bookings for August and September. Its vice-president for marketing and public relations Sylvia Tan noted that with school holidays ending, most of their customers have returned from their trips.

Dynasty Travel marketing communications director Alicia Seah noted that it is still unclear if Thailand will experience an outbreak. Her agency has several big groups on corporate bookings which are heading to Thailand during the National Day long weekend.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and look out for advisories, and will update our customers accordingly,” Seah said.

Earlier this month, as the outbreak in South Korea worsened, Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced that it would waive cancellation fees and administration fees for refund, rebooking or re-routing for customers holding confirmed tickets to and from Seoul’s Incheon Airport.

SIA, along with other carriers that TODAY contacted, indicated that it was business as usual for the Thailand routes. — TODAY