Singapore, 11th February: Singapore’s government is receiving praise for its calming, sensible approach to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Across Asia, governments are struggling to reassure their citizens that the danger is limited. On the other hand, Singapore’s government appears to have deployed a communications strategy that has effectively reduced panic, dispelled rumours and undercut conspiracy theories.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong released a nine minute recorded message laying out steps that residents of the Lion City can take to help prevent the spread of the virus and assuring them that Singapore had enough supply of key staples, food, etc. He also stressed “that fear can do more harm than the virus itself.” Indeed.