Organisers of this year's National Day Parade (NDP) are stepping up measures to curb the spread of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

All 27,000 spectators and more than 6,000 participants at the nation's 44th birthday party will have their temperatures taken before they are allowed onto the Floating Platform at Marina Bay.

The measures have already kicked in for participants, ahead of the Aug 9 event.

Fifteen thermal scanners, located at all seven entrances to the parade ground, ensure that everyone gets his temperature checked.

Those who fail the scanners' test will have their temperatures taken orally.

Anyone with a reading higher than 37.5 deg C will not be allowed in.

Those who fail both screenings may wait a while and be tested again.

Colonel (Dr) Tan Peng Hui, the NDP's medical committee chairman, said: 'We don't want to deny the people who have a high temperature due to the hot weather.'

Besides the fever checks, NDP organisers are setting up 20 hand-washing points outside portable toilets and disinfecting holding areas for participants before they arrive.

Rehearsals at the platform started on June 20.

Those who fall sick during rehearsals can head to one of five medical posts set up around Marina Bay.

Anyone with fever or flu-like symptoms will be sent home.

Said the NDP's operations and security chairman, Colonel Kenneth Liow: 'The show must go on but we want to err on the side of caution to protect the well-being and health of our participants.'

For instance, 60 out of 400 cheerleaders were absent from yesterday's combined rehearsal on the Floating Platform after one of them was found to have the H1N1 virus.

The precautionary measures were welcomed by many, including Ms Maragatham Sivalingam, 31, who will be performing with 100 others in an Indian dance segment.

'We were initially worried because we were grouped together in a room, but looking at the thorough screenings and measures taken so far, it gives us peace of mind.'