Every Singaporean must do his or her part in taking special precautions in the nation’s fight against the coronavirus outbreak, urged Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat at the sidelines of a Lunar New Year visit to Changi Airport on 25 January 2020 morning.
“Practice good hygiene habits and, most importantly, look out for information, and make sure we do not spread false information. As a community, we need to come together to respond to this as one Singapore,” he said.
Singapore announced its first case of the virus on 23 January 2020, with two more cases confirmed the next day. The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China has infected 1312 people worldwide, with China having the most significant toll of infections with 1287 at press time.
Mr Heng assured that key agencies are doing their best to respond to the situation.
“The situation is evolving, and Singaporeans and our institutions are better prepared because of our experience with SARS in 2003,” assured Mr Heng.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has set up a multi-ministerial taskforce led by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, with support from key agencies.
The taskforce is evolving its response plan and has instituted checks for the virus at all the checkpoints in Singapore. Healthcare institutions are also doing their best to deal with the situation, assured Mr Heng.
“[The Government] We are also monitoring the situation very closely to look at how the situation is developing and to make sure that we are able to respond quickly to changes,” said Mr Heng.
At the visit, Mr Heng commended airport workers for remaining committed to their work and taking precautions against the virus.
The visit to Changi Airport Terminal 3 included NTUC President Mary Liew and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, representatives from the NTUC Central Committee and union leaders.
Organised by NTUC, the visit was part of the Labour Movement’s annual tradition of visiting workers on the first day of Lunar New Year.
Mr Heng and the entourage presented gifts, which included red packets and mandarin oranges to workers on duty.
“Our workers at the airport, major checkpoints, transport, healthcare institutions and all the essential services are keeping Singapore functioning smoothly and safely as we all enjoy the festivities. So it is important for us to show our appreciation to all of them for the hard work that they have put in. The mood has been cheerful, and I’m glad to see that everyone is working so well,” said Mr Heng.
Elsewhere on the island, other key national leaders such as Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah, Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee visited transport, hospitality and port workers from as early as 4am.
In all, the ministers visited some 3,000 workers across nine unionised companies.
