Changi Airport will close its passenger terminal buildings, as well as Jewel Changi Airport, to members of the public for 14 days from May 13 to 26.

This is to allow all workers to be tested, and for cleaning and disinfection of the premises and facilities, the airport announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 12.

Air travel, pick-ups, and drop-offs to continue

While the airport remains open for air travel during this period, only essential airport workers and departing passengers with air tickets will be allowed into the terminals.

While members of the public will not be allowed to enter the terminal buildings, they may continue to drop off or pick up passengers at the airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) said in a joint release on May 12.

Those with tickets to Jewel attractions within these two weeks will have their tickets extended till December 31, 2021.

Visitors are advised to visit jewelchangiairport.com or their respective reseller websites from May 18 for more details.

Special testing operation for all airport workers

The statement explained that a special testing operation was underway since May 9, involving all workers at Changi Airport's operational terminals, namely, Terminals 1 and 3, as well as workers at Jewel.

This was initiated after Covid-19 cases were detected at Changi Airport recently.

The testing operation is to "quickly detect, isolate and treat any potential Covid-19 cases in the airport community," the statement said.

Airport workers and Jewel staff should refrain from going out

CAAS and CAG urged all airport workers as well as staff working in Jewel to refrain from going out except for essential work or activities for the next 14 days, or until they have been tested negative for Covid-19.

The statement also said that these workers and staff should not be redeployed to other workplaces or outlets during this period.

Closure could be extended past May 27

The closure could be extended, given the evolving nature of Covid-19, said CAAS and CAG, adding that they would "continue to review and adjust the measures as necessary".

"We remain optimistic that we can win this ongoing fight against Covid-19 and hope to welcome you back with confidence after this," said Changi Airport's post.

Top image via Changi Airport on Facebook