In Can I carry out SHN at my own home? (ZB, 24 May, p9), Ms Fu An Zhen asked about serving the stay-home notice (SHNs) at home for returning Singaporeans.
There are travellers who are tested negative upon arrival, but are actually incubating the virus. Their illness will appear in a few days, and they will, by then, be infectious. SHN ensures that this group of travellers do not mingle around in the community.
Hence, SHNs are served in dedicated facilities with strict protocols in place to isolate the travellers, monitor their movements, and put them through regular tests. Such dedicated facilities also have stringent cleaning and disinfection regimes and staff trained in infection control measures. These precautions may not be present in the residences of people under SHN.
We ask for your kind understanding on this measure.
Derrick Heng (Dr)
Deputy Director Of Medical Services (Public Health Group)
Ministry of Health