MOH had reviewed the imposition of the HQO in light of the new information on the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak situation. With effect from 16 May 09, the HQO for travellers to Singapore with a recent Mexican travel history was lifted.

1. What is the purpose of the Home Quarantine Order (HQO)?
Influenza A (H1N1-2009) is a contagious and potentially dangerous infectious disease which can cause a flu pandemic.. The Home Quarantine Order (HQO) is issued under the Infectious Diseases Act to contacts and suspected contacts of the Influenza A (H1N1-2009) virus, with the aim of limiting the spread of Influenza A (H1N1-2009) in the community.

2. Who will be issued a HQO?
As the influenza viruses are usually transmitted through coughing, sneezing and contacts with respiratory droplets/aerosols, only those who have close contact with the confirmed case will be served HQOs.

3. What is meant by ‘close contact’?
Close contacts are defined by persons who have sustained unprotected exposure to the confirmed case for a significant duration of time and within a close proximity of 2 meters.

In an airplane these would include passengers seated in the same row as well as within 3 rows in front and behind the confirmed case.

4. How long am I required to be quarantined?
Unless specified, the period one may be quarantined at place of isolation is seven days from the day he was last exposed or suspected to have been exposed to Influenza A (H1N1-2009). The quarantine period however is dependent on:

• When you were identified as a contact or suspected contact of Influenza A (H1N1-2009).

• When you have been located for the purpose of serving the Quarantine Order on you. The period of quarantine may therefore be less than seven days.

5. What must I do when I am being quarantined?
While under HQO, you must:

• Stay at home throughout the quarantine period and remain contactable at all times.

• Monitor your temperature and the temperature of all your household members for the duration of the quarantine period.

• Minimise contact with family members and other persons who reside in your home (i.e. stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom where possible).

• Wear a surgical mask if you need to be in a common area of the house near other persons.

• Practise good personal hygiene (i.e. cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing)

• Respond fully and truthfully to all questions put to you by Ministry of Health Officers and any other persons acting on behalf of the Director of Medical services.

6. How will the HQO affect household members?
While under HQO, do not invite visitors to your home. Your family members or others in your household can continue with their usual activities, but if they fall ill, you should inform the officers immediately too.

7. What should I do if my family members or I become unwell during the quarantine period?
If you develop any flu-like symptoms such as fever of 38°C or higher, cough, sorethroat, runny nose and shortness of breath, you should wear a surgical mask and immediately call 993 to arrange for an ambulance to transport you to TTSH A&E for assessment.

If medical treatment is required for other minor illness i.e. severe stomach ache or sprained ankle, you may call a designated helpline.

8. How will the Ministry monitor those who are under HQO?
CISCO officers will serve you the HQO and install an electronic camera at your home. You will be given a home quarantine kit, which includes an oral thermometer and a mask (the installation of the electronic camera may be carried separately from the issuing of the HQO). A nurse will explain to you the conditions in the HQO, which you have to observe, and how to take your temperature.

During the home quarantine period, CISCO officers will make random calls to you between 8 am and 11 p.m. When called, you will have to turn on and present yourself in front of the electronic camera to show that you are at home.

9. If I need to go out to attend to urgent matters, what should I do?
It is possible that you will spread the Influenza A (H1N1-2009) virus to others even though you are feeling well as infected persons can be asymptomatic in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, it is important that you comply fully with the Home Quarantine Order and do not leave your residence under any circumstances. If you need assistance with personal matters, please call the officer at the designated helpline.

10. What will happen if I break quarantine?
Any person who has been served the HQO and who does not comply with the HQO may be subjected to further conditions. These may include:

• Being required to wear an electronic tag to enable the monitoring of your movements during the period of the home quarantine.

• Being required to be detained and isolated in a hospital or other place.

Any person who fails to comply with the HQO can be prosecuted and

• In the case of a first offence, be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both; and

• In the case of a second or subsequent offence, be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

11. Who will bear the cost during the period of quarantine?
When traveller is to be quarantined at alternative housing (i.e. the Aloha Chalets at Loyang) besides his residential homes, the government will bear the full cost.

12. What sort of leave will one be granted if he is required to be quarantined?
One who has been issued a HQO will be granted paid hospitalisation leave during the period of absence from work. For employees who have used up their hospitalisation leave, their employers are urged to exercise flexibility and compassion in granting additional paid hospitalisation leave, bearing in mind that the employees may face financial hardship. The Ministry of Manpower would be able to provide more information with regards to such matter.