SINGAPORE – The ongoing coronavirus outbreak is a test of Singapore’s social cohesion and psychological resilience, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday (Feb 8).
“Fear and anxiety are natural human reactions. We all want to protect ourselves and our families from what is still a new and unknown disease,” he said in a statement on the current situation.
“But fear can do more harm than the virus itself. It can make us panic, or do things which make matters worse, like circulating rumours online, hoarding face masks or food, or blaming particular groups for the outbreak.”
“We should take courage and see through this stressful time together,” he added.
PM Lee noted that Singapore is much better prepared to deal with the new coronavirus because of its experience tackling the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) 17 years ago.
Singapore has stockpiled adequate supply of masks and personal protective equipment, expanded and upgraded medical facilities, and has more advanced research capabilities to study the virus.
Doctors and nurses are better trained as well, he said.
“We are psychologically better prepared too. Singaporeans know what to expect, and how to react,” he added. “Most importantly, having overcome Sars once, we know that we can pull through this too”, the PM said.
Although the virus is similar to Sars, there are two important differences, he said. The coronavirus is more infectious and harder to stop from spreading. But it is also much less dangerous than Sars, he said.
Outside the epicentre of the outbreak in Hubei, the death rate is so far only 0.2 per cent. In comparison, seasonal influenza has a death rate of 0.1 per cent.
“But the situation is still evolving. Every day brings new developments, and we have to respond promptly and dynamically,” he said. Isolating, contact tracing and quarantining the close contacts of imported cases has contained the spread and helped stamp out several local clusters.
But Singapore is stepping up measures because some new cases cannot be traced to the source of infection, suggesting that the virus is probably already circulating in the population, he said.
PM Lee said he expects to see more cases with no known contact with any other case in the coming days, despite efforts to do contact tracing and quarantine close contacts of confirmed cases.
“If the numbers keep growing, at some point we will have to reconsider our strategy. If the virus is widespread, it is futile to try to trace every contact. If we still hospitalise and isolate every suspect case, our hospitals will be overwhelmed,” he said.
At that point – provided the death rate remains low – Singapore should shift its approach. Those who have only mild symptoms should see a General Practitioner (GP) and rest at home, instead of going to the hospital.
Hospitals can then focus on the most vulnerable groups – children, the elderly, and those with medical complications.
But PM Lee also stressed that Singapore is not yet at that point. “It may or may not happen, but we are thinking ahead and anticipating the next few steps. And I am sharing these possibilities with you, so that we are all mentally prepared for what may come.”
Singapore’s disease outbreak response was stepped up one level to orange on Friday (Feb 7), as the coronavirus spreads further within the country.
As a result, measures have been enhanced.
Singapore’s New Year, New Safety Rules?
During a press briefing, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong dropped some pretty straightforward messages for the nation’s residents: “We’re tightening up social interaction, supervising our hospitals and tightening security at big events.”
Changed Plans for the Istana Garden Party
In a move that surprised many, the PM postponed the Chinese New Year Istana Garden Party – a gathering that was meant to bring grassroots leaders together on Sunday. Apparently, the best way to keep Singapore smiling is to give a little extra heads‑up about the virus.
Current Numbers
- So far, 33 people in Singapore have contracted the virus.
- Four of those cases show no links to known outbreaks or travel to China.
What the Orange Alert Means
The orange alert level signals we’re facing moderate to high public health impact. Basically, there’s proven local spread and the virus could expand further throughout the country. But, sportily put, it’s still under control. The sunken era of the 2009 H1N1 outbreak is on the back burner.
Prime Minister’s Reassurance
“There is no need to panic,” PM Lee said. “We’re not shutting down the city or putting everyone in lockdown. We have plenty of supplies, so let’s avoid hoarding instant noodles, canned goods or toilet paper – not that anyone really had to panic over tinned food.”
He emphasised personal self‑care: take your temperature twice a day, keep good hygiene and stay away from crowds when you feel sick. If you do get ill, see a doctor promptly.
National Unity in Action
PM Lee applauded Singaporeans who have gone beyond the call of duty: mask‑distribution to households, delivering food to classmates that miss school, healthcare workers at the frontline. Business groups, unions and transport workers also keep the city running.
“They inspire us. This is what it means to be Singaporean. That’s who we are,” the Prime Minister said.
Guidelines for Everyone
- Observe good personal hygiene.
- Check body temperature twice daily.
- Avoid crowds if you’re feeling unwell.
- Seek medical help immediately if symptoms arise.
“Stay united, stay calm, keep doing what you do best,” PM Lee urged. Remember, it’s about staying sensible, helping each other and continuing with your everyday life.
