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Coronavirus: Don't shake hands, adopt alternative greetings, says Ministry of Health

(PHOTO: Getty Images)
(PHOTO: Getty Images)

SINGAPORE – Don’t shake hands. That’s the latest advisory from Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) in view of the worsening coronavirus outbreak in the Republic.

In a press release issued on Friday (7 February), the ministry advised, “As a general good practice, we advise people not to shake hands during this period, but adopt alternative greetings.”

The MOH also announced the confirmation of three additional cases, bring the total to 33 cases, and the raising of the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (Dorscon) level to orange.

The orange level means that the disease is severe and spreads easily from person to person, but has not spread widely in Singapore and is being contained.

During the SARS epidemic in 2003, the Republic was also at a similar alert level.

People who are unwell should stay home and wear a mask if they need to go out, such as if they have to see the doctor, the MOH added.

“In particular, they should avoid coming into close and sustained proximity with others. Workers who come across customers who are unwell should immediately advise customers to leave and go see a doctor.”

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