The Workers’ Party (WP) has announced that it will give the government's multi-ministerial task force set up to deal with the Wuhan virus its "full support during this trying period".

The task force, co-chaired by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, will direct national whole-of-government response to the novel coronavirus outbreak; and work with the international community to respond to the outbreak.

In WP's first statement on the Wuhan virus on Jan. 28, the party urged Singaporeans to stay united and "heed instructions given by the various ministries, especially that from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower, and the Ministry of Education".

Some of these measures by the Ministries include deferring all non-essential travel to mainland China (MOH), implementing a 14-day Leave of Absence (LOA) for employees (MOM), as well as students and staff returning from Mainland China (MOE).

WP: Don't give in to fear mongering

The main opposition party urged everyone to remain calm, and not to give in to fear mongering by speculating or spreading rumours online.

It advised Singaporeans to refer to official announcements or news from major news outlets.

Earlier in the afternoon, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also reminded Singaporeans not to share fake news:

"Also please do not listen to or spread rumours and untrue reports — alas there is a lot of that circulating around, on WhatsApp and social media. Sharing news responsibly is an important way we can protect ourselves."

Over the past three days, two Ministers — Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan — have instructed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulations Act (POFMA) Office to issue correction directions against Wuhan virus-related falsehoods online.

WP also thanked the many individuals at the front-lines of our borders, hospitals, clinics, who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of Singaporeans.

You can read its full statement below:

"The coronavirus outbreak is a new development that is serious and concerning. The Workers’ Party notes that the government has established a multi-ministry task force to consolidate efforts in containing the spread of the virus within Singapore, as well as overseas. We give the task force our full support during this trying period.

We urge all members of the public to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe. This includes maintaining good personal hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently with soap, and avoiding crowded places. We also urge everyone to follow the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

We have to stay united, and heed instructions given by the various ministries, especially that from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Manpower, and the Ministry of Education. Most importantly, we urge everyone to remain calm, and not to give in to fear mongering by speculating or spreading rumours online. If you have any doubts, please refer to official announcements or news from major news outlets.

Over the last few weeks, many individuals at the front-lines of our borders, hospitals, clinics, and so on, have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of Singaporeans, and that operations run smoothly. The Workers’ Party thanks all of them for their efforts and sacrifices, and we stand behind them in this nation-wide effort to tackle the coronavirus."

Top photo from Pritam Singh's Facebook.