Large scale SAF activities such as in-camp-training (ICT) will continue, despite the raising of the DORSCON level from Yellow to Orange last Friday (Feb. 7), said Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How.
These remarks were made during a visit to SAF's Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) at Pulau Tekong on Tuesday (Feb. 11).
Heng said that the mission of the SAF is to defend Singapore, and this must be done even during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
He reiterated that as of now, there is no confirmed case of the novel coronavirus within the SAF.
Deferring non-essential, large scale social activities
With the risk assessment being raised to DORSCON Orange, the SAF has implemented enhanced precautionary measures.
This includes twice-daily temperature taking for all personnel, temperature screening at all camps and bases, stepping up workplace cleaning and disinfection schedules.
Other measures include staggering meal times and deferring non-essential, large scale social activities.
When asked whether the SAF is prepared to cancel activities such as ICT as the situation develops, Heng said that there are currently no plans to do so.
Events such as the BMT Graduation Parade will also carry on.
SAF is ready to deal with situation
If a suspected coronavirus case surfaces within the SAF, Heng said that the SAF is ready to deal with such a situation.
Heng stressed that their medical centre adopts the same standards and procedures as those adopted by the MOH. If a doctor at the medical centre feels that the patient fits the criteria to be referred to the NCID, that would be done.
Contact tracing and the segregation of the close contacts of such a case will also be conducted.
He explained that the mission of the SAF is to defend the country, regardless of whether there is a virus situation.
However, given the current circumstances, he emphasised the need to take necessary steps to safeguard the health of the soldiers.
Top image from Jason Fan.