Some Singaporeans with symptoms of virus staying behind in Wuhan even as 92 are evacuated

Passengers queueing to board the flight to Singapore at Wuhan airport. The MFA said the returning Singaporeans will undergo medical screening upon arrival at Changi Airport. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE – Some Singaporeans having symptoms of the Wuhan virus remain stranded in Wuhan, even as 92 Singaporeans touched down at Changi Airport on Thursday morning (Jan 30).

National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, who is co-chair of the multi-ministry committee overseeing the Wuhan virus crisis, said on Thursday that a small number of people displayed symptoms, although he did not immediately have the specific figures.

“It is probably not safe for them to come back on the same plane,” he said, noting that some of them might have to stay quarantined in China.

“Our embassy is in touch with them to ensure their welfare.”

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Singaporeans who have returned will undergo medical screening upon arrival at Changi Airport.

The statement said: “MFA consular officers accompanied the Scoot flight to facilitate the ground operations at Wuhan.

“In a telephone call with PRC State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi yesterday, Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan expressed the Singapore Government’s appreciation to the PRC government, Hubei provincial government, Wuhan city government, and the PRC Embassy in Singapore for facilitating the safe return of these Singaporeans.”

The evacuation of the Singaporeans comes after a specially arranged Scoot flight took off from Changi Airport on Jan 29, 2020, with Wuhan residents who had been stranded in Singapore (pictured). PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO