Health Protection Agency (HPA) has publicised the guidelines on groups of more than 10 people undergoing quarantine together.
HPA stated the aim of the guideline is to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission among large groups travelling together from an island or region with a community spread to an island with no community spread. As such, HPA noted the guideline specifies the procedure to be followed when groups of more than 10 people travel to an island with no community spread and plan to undergo quarantine together in the same dormitory, room or facility.
The guideline states all individuals travelling in the group must undergo PCR testing 72 hours before departure, and present a negative result. Individuals who display flu symptoms such as fever and coughing are required to stay back even if they test negative for COVID-19. Individuals which present flu symptoms can only travel 48 hours after the symptoms disappear.
Furthermore, the guideline states companies or institutions which send groups of more than 10 people to an island for training or other purposes must send the details of the travelling party to the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC), along with their PCR results. All travelling individuals are also required to register at HPA’s Haalu Belun Portal, and seek the required permits before departure.
The guideline also states all individuals in the travelling group must complete the 14-day quarantine period and test for COVID-19 at the end of the quarantine period. If any individual displays COVID-19 symptoms during quarantine, they must take a PCR test immediately and isolate themselves from others. If it is not possible to isolate one individual from others in quarantine, they are required to wear surgical masks and maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet.
The guideline further states if any individual tests positive from the exit tests, the quarantine period of all individuals who quarantined together will be extended.