IN SINGAPORE, more measures were announced yesterday as the country continued to fortify itself against the H1N1 virus.
In schools, daily temperature-taking started yesterday.
Temperature screening for all visitors to schools and Ministry of Education buildings would also be put in place. Details of visitors, including personal particulars and the date and time of visits, will be recorded to allow for contact tracing.
The National Arts Council (NAC) also announced yesterday that thermal scanners will be deployed at NAC theatres, Victoria Theatre and the Drama Centre to check patrons' temperature.
Details of patrons would also be taken down for contact tracing.
Such precautionary measures would be in place to ensure a safe environment for people to enjoy the Singapore Arts Festival starting this month, so patrons are being advised to arrive early.
Meanwhile, in Mexico - where H1N1 first emerged - the government is poised to lift an economically crippling clampdown on public venues and activities tomorrow.
President Felipe Calderon said a nationwide shutdown and an aggressive information campaign appeared to have helped curtail the outbreak.
HisHealth Secretary said the government is starting preparations for a return to classes and work, and plans to
give safety recommendations to businesses and disinfect schools.
Yet the virus continued to spread, with new cases in North and South America and also in Europe.
In the United States, it has now reached most states. On Sunday, health officials raised the number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases to 245 in 35 states. The number, up from 160 last Saturday, reflects streamlining in federal procedures and the results of tests by states, said Dr Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Virtually all of the US probably has this virus circulating now. That doesn't mean that everybody's infected, but within the communities, the virus has arrived," she said.
It has yet to arrive in Singapore, but a framework to control its spread is already coming together.
