All planes operating here must set up on-board isolation area

All planes flying in and out of Singapore are now required to set up an on-board emergency quarantine area by blocking off a section of seats, as part of measures to minimise passengers' risk of exposure to Covid-19. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said that passengers or crew who become unwell with fever or any Covid-19 symptoms during a flight must be moved to the quarantine area and be isolated from others. The lavatory closest to the quarantine area must also be reserved for those who are unwell. Singapore Airlines (SIA) has set aside the last three rows on the left side of its planes. Any SIA crew member serving the ill person on board will also have to wear full personal protective gear. Jetstar Asia has also set aside the last three rows on either the left or right side. The requirement became known this month when Jetstar Asia said it had set up on-board isolation zones, among other measures, to guard against the spread of Covid-19. Alan Foo, acting senior director of the safety regulation group at CAAS, said the authority had mandated the quarantine area in May. "To minimise the risk of exposure to Covid-19 during their journeys, safe travel measures have been put in place for all flights operating into and out of Singapore," he added. Other measures developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health include requiring passengers to wear masks throughout flights and having those flying to Singapore take a basic health assessment before boarding the plane.<br/>