As the government and the community work to combat the spread of the Wuhan virus, President Halimah Yacob urged Singaporeans not to spread falsehoods and rumours.

Government doing its best to prevent spread of virus and protect citizens

In a Facebook post on Jan. 29, Halimah said that the government was doing its best to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect citizens.

As such, Singaporeans should remain calm and cooperate with the government in keeping everyone safe.

"Our hospitals and healthcare staff are under tremendous pressure to prepare themselves in the event the situation worsens," Halimah stated.

"But they can only do so much without the support of our people in this effort to keep everyone safe," she added.

Singaporeans should refer to MOH's information to rebut and squash rumours or falsehoods about virus

One way Singaporeans can help is "not to spread falsehoods, misperceptions and rumours which will cause confusion, panic and anger."

Instead, they should refer to information that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has put up on its website, as well their official statements.

Halimah also encouraged Singaporeans to use MOH's information to "rebut and squash" any rumours or falsehoods they may come across.

Comparing the Wuhan coronavirus to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, Halimah stated that "social media is so much more pervasive this time... and the potential for spreading mischief, distortions and untruths is tremendous."

She also urged Singaporeans to remain "level headed and calm" as "we have the experience of battling with (SARS) and we are prepared."

Her full post here:

POFMA correction orders issued twice over Wuhan virus rumours

On Jan. 26, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong issued a POFMA correction order to SPH Magazines Pte Ltd, which operates the HardwareZone Forums (HWZ).

A HWZ user had posted a rumour that someone had died from the virus in Singapore.

Contrary to the post, no deaths as a result of the virus have been reported so far (Jan. 29, 1:30pm).

SPH Magazines complied with the order.

On Jan. 28, Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan also instructed POFMA Office to issue a Targeted Correction Direction to Facebook.

The correction order came after two Facebook users alleged that the Woodlands MRT station was closed for disinfection due to a suspect case of the Wuhan virus.

The allegations are false, said the POFMA office, as Woodlands MRT was not closed on Jan. 28.

The posts, which were uploaded on Jan. 28, also urged people to avoid Causeway Point as the suspect case was allegedly brought there.

Top image via Halimah Yacob on Facebook