SIA Crew Member Who Came Back with COVID-19 Might Have Been Infected by Cleaners in Dubai

The reason why travel brings an increased risk of contracting the coronavirus is that you come into contact with all sorts of people from different parts of the world.

Even after the government allows us to travel abroad, some Singaporeans with wanderlust may choose to stay here for fear of contracting the virus.

Unfortunately for flight crew members, they don’t have this option.

SIA Crew Member Who Came Back with COVID-19 Might Have Been Infected by Cleaners in Dubai

On Tuesday (9 Feb), the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that a Singapore Airlines (SIA) cabin crew member tested positive for Covid-19 after a turnaround flight to the United Arab Emirates.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said she didn’t interact with any passengers on the flight.

But, according to CAAS, she may have come into close contact with cleaners who came on board the aircraft during the turnaround in Dubai.

The flight departed Singapore on 30 Jan and returned on 1 Feb. Four other passengers on the flight back to Singapore also tested positive for Covid-19.

However, the stewardess flew to Dubai serving in business class with no passengers, and did not interact with any other passengers on board the aircraft.

“For the flight to Singapore, she was positioned as a passenger and sat with the rest of the crew at the back of the aircraft, with their own area and dedicated toilet,” CAAS said.

“However, during the turnaround in Dubai, cleaners came on board the aircraft, and she may have come into close contact with them.”

The 41-year-old woman is infected with the B117 strain of the coronavirus, which is believed to be more contagious.

The aviation authority said it has since tightened requirements for turnaround flights to disallow cleaners and other “non-essential” personnel from entering the aircraft during the turnaround.

And if interaction is necessary, crew members will have to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Cabin Crew Members For Singapore Carriers Not Required to Serve Stay-home Notices

As you know, all travellers, including Singaporean citizens, PRs, and long-term visit pass holders, are required to serve stay-home notices when arriving here from abroad.

However, according to CNA, all crew members of Singapore carriers are exempt from this requirement.

This is why the 41-year-old stewardess was not placed on stay-home notice upon her return to Singapore.

“Instead, we work with the Ministry of Health to put in place stringent policies to protect air crew and minimise their risk of exposure to Covid-19 during their duty on board aircraft,” CAAS said.

This includes requiring them to wear PPE at all times, and minimising interaction between crew members and passengers.

All of the infected cabin crew member’s co-workers have also been isolated and placed on quarantine.

The good news is that over 90% of eligible SIA Group staff members, including cabin crew members and pilots, have signed up for the Covid-19 vaccine.

They have been progressively getting immunised since late January.

Featued Image: Sorbis / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purpose only)