In Parliament
Oral Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Janil Puthucheary to Parliamentary Question on Measures and Efforts to Combat the Spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in our Public Buses and Trains under DORSCON Yellow, Orange and Red Framework
18 February 2020
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Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for Transport what are the measures and efforts to combat the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus in our public buses and trains under DORSCON yellow, orange and red framework.
Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Janil Puthucheary:
1. The ‘Disease Outbreak Response System Condition’ (DORSCON) is a colour-coded framework that categorises the prevailing situation during the outbreak of an infectious disease. The framework provides general guidelines on what needs to be done to prevent and reduce the impact of infections, but does not prescribe specific measures for various sectors at the different alert levels. The Government will develop relevant measures taking into account the unique characteristics of the disease based on latest available information and the requirements of each sector.
2. Since the start of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, COVID-19, MOT has worked closely with our bus and rail operators, and the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) to implement relevant precautionary measures. For example, since 28 January 2020, all public transport workers returning from mainland China have not been deployed to frontline duties. This measure was put in place ahead of the mandatory 14-day leave of absence to be served by all workers returning from mainland China, from 31 January 2020.
3. Operators have also implemented more frequent cleaning of public surface areas and high commuter touch points, placed hand sanitisers at MRT stations and bus interchanges for use by staff and commuters, and conducted twice-daily temperature screening for all staff.
4. Messages on maintaining public hygiene have also been frequently shared with public transport workers. These measures seek to give commuters peace of mind to continue with their regular daily journeys.
5. Commuters are also reminded to practise good personal hygiene. Commuters who are unwell should avoid public transport and crowded places.
6. We will continue to work with MOH, PTOs and NTWU to introduce appropriate measures and efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 as the situation evolves.