New S'pore-made Covid-19 nasal swab test kit detects first imported case at Seletar Airport

An Indonesian man who arrived at Seletar Airport on Saturday, March 7, was the first traveller detected to be infected with the coronavirus using the new Singapore-developed Covid-19 nasal swab test kit.

The local test kit was rolled out by the local authorities here just a week before.

These details were revealed by Manpower Minister and Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo in a Facebook post on March 9.She said the test kit had helped detect the presence of Covid-19 in the man, who was subsequently designated as Case 147 by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Indonesia man with Covid-19 arrived in Singapore via Seletar Airport

The 64-year-old Indonesian man was reported to have a fever and an onset of symptoms while he was in Indonesia on March 3, MOH said on Monday, March 9.

He underwent the Covid-19 swab test at the checkpoint.

The case was first announced on Sunday, March 8.

He was transferred to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) on Saturday night, March 7, believed to have been hours after he arrived.

It was not mentioned what time he had arrived at Seletar Airport, or how many hours had lapsed by the time he was taken to NCID on Saturday night.

He was confirmed to be a positive case by the next day.

He is currently warded in an isolation room at NCID.

MOH said the man had mostly stayed at his rental apartment in the Oxley Road area, prior to being hospitalised.

Nasal swab test developed by Singapore team

Since March 5, travellers to Singapore who arrive at all air, land and sea checkpoints are required to undergo the Covid-19 nasal swab test if they have signs of respiratory illness.

The test kit analyses the samples.

Developed by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) and Veredus Laboratories, Teo wrote that the test kit "has an accuracy rate of more than 99 per cent and is able to test for a result in three hours".

Teo also wrote that HTX scientists from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Centre of Expertise had developed the test kit quickly to meet Singapore’s frontline needs.

She said she was proud of their efforts.

Singapore permanent residents and long-term pass holders who refuse the test may have their immigration facilities and work pass privileges revoked or the validity shortened.

Singapore citizens and all other travellers who do not comply with the testing or who cannot be contacted afterwards may face penalties and be prosecuted under the Infectious Disease Act.