Singapore has been preparing for the possibility of an infectious disease outbreak like this since SARS, building capacity and capability in addressing infectious diseases.

• Epidemiological surveillance and containment capabilities have been strengthened.
• Agencies hold regular emergency preparedness exercises to keep themselves operationally ready.
• The National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) was set up, a purpose built facility to strengthen our ability to manage the outbreak of infectious diseases. 

The Government has responded rapidly, putting in place a series of measures to reduce the risk of import and spread of the virus since early January 2020. These include the implementation of temperature screening at the airport, and medical practitioners have been alerted to be vigilant.

A Multi-Ministry Taskforce was set up, to coordinate whole-of-Government efforts, so that a national response can be mounted quickly and effectively.

As the global and local situation evolves, the Taskforce has stepped up measures accordingly, taking into careful consideration relevant factors, including the impact on our society.