Singapore air crew returning from overseas to be routinely tested for Covid-19: CAAS

PILOTS and cabin crew from Singapore carriers returning to the Republic from Aug 20 will have to undergo Covid-19 testing. 

This will be on top of stringent health and safety protocols implemented earlier by the Ministry of Health and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the latter said in a press statement on Monday.

Air crew returning from countries or regions to Singapore where travellers can serve their stay-home notice at their own accommodation will be exempt from Covid-19 testing.

CAAS said existing protocols have been effective in keeping Singapore air crew safe as there have been no positive Covid-19 cases among this group for more than three months.

"However, there is a need for continued vigilance and Covid-19 testing will provide added assurance for crew, their families and the general public that any imported infection can be quickly detected, and given necessary medical treatment promptly," CAAS said.

It added that early detection of positive cases will also minimise chances of community transmission. 

Air crew will be tested using the polymerase chain reaction test, the testing standard used globally to diagnose if someone is currently infected with the Covid-19 virus, according to the statement.