Singapore government is launching two new media platforms – Gov.sg Telegram and Twitter – to provide the public with information on COVID-19.
Effective from April 2, the two new media channels will complement the Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms that have been in use.
The Gov.sg Telegram channel and a refreshed Gov.sg Twitter channel channel will disseminate the same COVID-19 messages carried on the Gov.sg WhatsApp channel.
“In a crisis such as COVID-19, it is important to broaden access to information across as many platforms as possible to reach the public with reliable, clear and timely information," said Minister for Communications and Information, S Iswaran.
"We need the public to know what they need to do, respond calmly and do the right thing, as we collectively fight this COVID-19 outbreak.”
Currently, the Gov.sg WhatsApp channel pushes out push important COVID-19 messages in the four official languages, Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) said in a press statement. The daily messages include updates on cases, clarifications on misinformation as well as advisories on good hygiene practices and social responsibility.
The subscribership to the channel has grown exponentially from 7,000 subscribers to over 900,000 subscribers in 10 weeks, as the COVID-19 situation evolves.