Coronavirus outbreak

Coronavirus more like H1N1 than Sars: Lawrence Wong

This seems to be the case based on what is known about it so far, says minister

In a photo taken on feb 7, 2020, a commuter wears a mask at Pasir Ris MRT Station. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
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Code orange was declared only once in Singapore, prior to the present coronavirus outbreak.

That was in 2009, when the world was hit by the H1N1, or swine flu, pandemic. The virus was first detected in humans in the United States in April 2009, though it is now said to have originated in Mexico.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 17, 2020, with the headline Coronavirus more like H1N1 than Sars: Lawrence Wong. Subscribe