SINGAPORE – 28 MAR 2020
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) of Singapore is aware of an audio recording circulating through Whatsapp, allegedly attributed to a Malaysian infectious diseases specialist, claiming that COVID-19 is being spread through postal articles. The Malaysian infectious diseases specialist has since clarified that he did not make the recording. Relevant Malaysian authorities have similarly debunked the claims.
Additionally in Singapore, Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious diseases specialist practising in Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, said: “Once the virus is exposed to the hot humid environment of Singapore, it will begin to rapidly break down. Even if someone deliberately sabotages the mail, the virus will never survive to reach your mailbox. The time it takes to post and for it to leave the sorting machine will kill it. Even if your mail is sealed with a kiss, the virus will die by the time it reaches your mailbox. Nonetheless, it is a good habit to wash your hands after handling any mail.”
Members of the public should rely on official channels such as the Ministry of Health’s official website (www.moh.gov.sg) and the Gov.sg WhatsApp (http://go.gov.sg/whatsapp) to get accurate and up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation in Singapore.
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