Short-term visitors and transit passengers to Singapore have been stopped as of 23 March (23:59 hours) and country access for those with work passes reduced to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Border control measures issued by the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) apply a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) for Singapore residents and long-term pass holders.

It is unclear at this stage what the impact of these new measures could mean for DF&TR concessionaires, including DFS Group and The Shilla Duty Free, with the airport declining to comment.

SHILLA WATCHING SITUATION

A spokesperson from The Shilla Duty Free told TRBusiness: “Our stores in Changi Airport are still open, but we are closely monitoring and aligning with Changi Airport before deciding on reduced operating hours.

“As Singapore has been seeing increasing imported cases daily, we do understand the Singapore government’s decision to shut entry to tourists and short-term visitors in order to stop the imported infections. 

“Our staff have all been provided with masks, hand sanitisers and our store premises are being regularly cleaned and sanitised.”

CAG announced in February that tenants in its four terminals and in the transit and public areas would receive a 50% rebate on their monthly basic rental for a period of six months, effective 1 February (or any later tenancy commencement date).

TRBusiness is seeking comment from Changi Airport retail stakeholders.

RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRY

As reported, travel and quarantine measures were implemented on 16 March.

As of 22 March, a total of 18 new imported cases of Covid-19 were detected in Singapore, alongside five local cases, according to the Ministry of Health.

Four more cases have been discharged from hospital, bringing the total number of recoveries and discharges from hospital to 144.

Of the 309 confirmed cases still in hospital, most are stable or improving, says the Ministry, with 14 in a critical condition and two deaths due to complications.

In addition, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower is permitting the entry and return of certain work-pass holders, including their dependents. Those that fall under the category of ‘essential services’ only, such as healthcare and transport, will be allowed to enter Singapore.

Arrivals flight passengers will be temperature screened, with healthcare teams positioned at aerobridges for selected flights to identify ‘at-risk’ passengers.

All travellers entering Singapore and exhibiting fever and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness will undergo Covid-19 swab tests at checkpoints, regardless of  their travel history.

Such travellers will also be issued a 14-day SHN, which they will have to serve in full even if the result of the swab test is negative.

Outbound passengers are being advised to check with their airlines or the Embassy/High Commission of their destination country for the latest travel advisories.

Images circulated by the BBC today (23 March) show near-empty departure transit halls and stark information boards, as the airport that handles more than 68 million passengers annually feels the brunt of border closures and flight cancellations.