Singapore doctors expect more PCR testing as China eases Covid measures

One clinic said there had been a 15-20 per cent increase in demand for the tests since mid-November, much of it from Chinese nationals returning home

Even higher numbers anticipated as people start travelling home for January’s Lunar New Year; ‘we’re really preparing ourselves for that potential surge’

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A photo of President Xi Jinping during an exhibition in China about its fight against Covid-19. As the nation eases its coronavirus measures, there is a knock-on effect elsewhere, including in Singapore. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:59pm, 19 Dec 2022Updated: 10:59pm, 19 Dec 2022

Singapore healthcare providers are expecting a wave of travellers requiring pre-departure PCR coronavirus tests in the coming months as China eases its border measures.

Unihealth handles around 100-150 swabs for such tests across its four clinics each week, and it expects these numbers to increase.

Medical director and family doctor Xie Huizhuang said there had been a 15-20 per cent increase in demand for the tests since mid-November, with much of it coming from Chinese nationals returning home.

“This small spike is mainly because China has recently shifted its Covid-19 zero-tolerance approach,” she noted.

Since mid-November, those going to China are required to take one PCR test within 48 hours of travelling, instead of the two previously required.

China also loosened Covid curbs nationwide earlier this month, lifting restrictions on entry to public spaces and allowing those infected to isolate at home instead of being taken to a hospital.

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