SINGAPORE, Jan 24 — Temperature screening for travellers arriving at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints will begin at noon today, in response to cases of the novel coronavirus pneumonia that began in Wuhan, China and which has since spread to other countries.

The screening is also being implemented in anticipation of increase in travel volume leading up to the Chinese New Year holidays, according to an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) news release today morning.

Singapore confirmed its first case of the Wuhan virus yesterday evening — a male Wuhan resident, 66, who arrived in Singapore with his family on January 20. He is currently in isolation at the Singapore General Hospital and is in stable condition.

Singapore authorities had announced yesterday that border screening would be expanded to all land and sea checkpoints, while a travel advisory has been expanded for Singaporeans to avoid travelling to Hubei province, where Wuhan city is located.

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ICA today said temperature screening will be conducted by “healthcare assistants” for travellers arriving at the land checkpoints, and suspect cases will be referred to hospitals for further assessment.

The screening will be implemented “progressively” for all modes of transport as follows:

— By bus: Travellers will be screened at the alighting bus concourse or bus hall before immigration counters. Bus drivers will be screened at the security check area.

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— By train: Travellers will be screened at the alighting platform before entering the train hall for immigration clearance.

— By car: Travellers are required to wind down their car windows for temperature screening at the security check area before immigration counters.

— By motorcycle: Travellers are required to remove their helmets for temperature screening at the security check area after immigration counters.

— By lorry: Travellers will be screened at the cargo platforms or immigration counters.

China’s National Health Commission confirmed 830 cases of patients have been infected as of yesterday, while the death toll from the virus has risen to 25.

Elsewhere, the virus has infected at least one person in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the US.

Holiday traffic expected to be heavy: ICA 

Traffic is expected to be heavy between tomorrow and Tuesday during the Chinese New Year holidays.

“Coupled with the implementation of temperature screening for travellers, delays are expected and travellers are advised to check traffic conditions before embarking on their journey,” said the agency.

“We seek travellers’ understanding and co-operation to work with our officers on site.”

Health advisories have been put up at the land checkpoints to advise travellers on the precautions they are to take when travelling to or arriving from China.

“Singapore residents who need to travel to the affected areas are advised to regularly check MOH’s website for updates.

“Travellers to China are also advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments and heed the advice of the local Chinese authorities while in China,” added ICA. — TODAY