Singapore bans China travellers to keep out coronavirus

Travellers wear protective face masks at the departure hall of Changi international airport in Singapore on Jan 30, 2020. - AFP

SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore said on Friday (Jan 31) it was banning entry to all Chinese visitors and foreigners with a recent history of travel to China in some of the most far-reaching moves worldwide to deter the fast-spreading coronavirus.

The ban, effective from Saturday (Feb 1), will also apply to transiting passengers but will exempt residents and long-term pass holders such as those on work permits, student visas or long-term visit passes, the Health Ministry said.