Singapore Airlines Responds To WHO Travel advisory

Singapore Airlines Responds To World Health Organisation Travel Advisory

Singapore Airlines will take steps to follow the precautionary worldwide directives issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent the further spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The precautionary measures taken by Singapore Airlines for the well being of its customers include:

* Alerting the airline's airport managers, check-in staff and other ground staff of the symptoms of SARS, so that passengers with flu-like symptoms can be made aware of the WHO's advice and strongly urged not to travel unless medical clearance has been obtained;

* Advising cabin crew members of the recommendations for the management of passengers who become ill in-flight with flu-like symptoms;

* Advising cockpit crew that if they have reason to believe a passenger on board may be suffering from SARS, they should contact the relevant authorities at the next port of call so that appropriate medical procedures are immediately put in place;

* Making copies of WHO advice available at check-in counters.

According to the WHO, symptoms of SARS include high fever (above 38 degrees Celsius), coughing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

The Singapore Airlines passenger offloaded in Frankfurt on Saturday 15 March with a suspected case of SARS remains under medical observation in Frankfurt with his two travelling companions. Other passengers on the same flight, which originated in New York, arrived in Singapore on Sunday afternoon (16 March) and were briefed by officials from the Singapore Ministry of Health and National Environment Agency before continuing their journey.

Singapore Airlines has a policy of not carrying any passenger with a known infectious disease. Boarding may be denied to customers in such circumstances.

Singapore Airlines advises customers with flu-like symptoms to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Those who are unwell but intend to travel are advised to seek medical advice beforehand and carry a doctor's letter, certifying that they have been examined and are fit to travel.

While Singapore Airlines' services have not been affected so far, its operations will be kept under constant review. Singapore Airlines will continue to monitor the situation and remain observant of the advice and recommendations of the WHO and the Singapore Ministry of Health.

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