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DPM Teo says better to be prepared in light of H1N1 fears

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean says it is possible that cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus may occur in Singapore.

But he says Singaporeans are better prepared psychologically after going through SARS in 2003.

He said: "It's important right now, when we don't understand the nature of the disease so well, to overreact a bit. That's the sensible thing to do. So we make sure we protect ourselves.

“It's better to overprotect ourselves right now than to be too relaxed and then after that to try and put on the protection when it's too late."

Mr Teo also added that the situation will have some impact on the travel and tourism sector.

For military servicemen in camps, temperature-taking and isolating those who may be unwell are already in place but there will be no changes in training as the minister says that “there's no reason to do so”.

And for those who are returning and entering Singapore at the Woodlands Checkpoint, they have to go through thermal scanning devices deployed at land checkpoints starting Sunday.

This comes after such devices have been put in place at airports and sea checkpoints. Some people whose temperatures may be higher than usual will have their temperatures checked individually.

- CNA/yt

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