Singapore will complement China's efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Feb. 1, 2020.

Anti-China sentiments unhelpful in combating Wuhan coronavirus

Speaking at the Chinese New Year dinner at his Teck Ghee constituency on Saturday, PM Lee noted that China's response towards this coronavirus outbreak is stronger than during the SARS outbreak in 2003.

He said that he is confident that China and other countries will work together to fight the disease.

PM Lee also talked about the new travel restrictions that were imposed on Feb. 1, and said that the measures taken were pre-emptive, and meant purely for protecting public health.

However, he shared his observations that anti-PRC sentiments had surged during the last few days across many countries, adding that such sentiments are unhelpful.

During his speech, he shared about a tour group to Australia comprising of Singaporean Chinese who were discriminated against and barred from a tourist attraction.

"The virus may have started in China, but it does not respect nationality or race. It does not check your passport before it goes into your body, and anybody can be infected," he said.

"This is a problem that all countries have to work together to solve."

S'pore better prepared this time

PM Lee also recalled the public health crisis during SARS in 2003, noting that Singapore is better prepared this round.

"Since then, we have been preparing ourselves, because we knew that sooner or later, something like this could happen again," he said.

PM Lee added that Singapore has better medical facilities and better-trained healthcare professionals to handle such a crisis now, and he is confident that the country can overcome the virus outbreak.

While he noted that the novel coronavirus is more infectious than SARS, he added that it is less lethal than the latter.

Social media both a boon and bane in crisis

PM Lee noted the tremendous amount of information circulating online regarding the coronavirus outbreak from Wuhan, some of them being false and misleading.

He warned that such rumours can amplify public anxiety and spark fear and panic.

PM Lee advised people to verify relevant information with public channels and government websites, such as the Ministry of Health website and the government WhatsApp channel.

He also encouraged people to practise good personal hygiene in the meantime, and to see a doctor if they feel unwell.

"Let us remain resilient and calm, and respond as one united nation. Let us show care and concern for our fellow human beings," he said. 

Top image via Lee Hsien Loong/FB