Singapore pushes ahead with air show as virus cases grow

Singapore's air show began Tuesday with the usual ribbon cutting, but less typical warnings to industry and military figures attending to avoid handshakes and other close contact to avoid spreading a virus that has sickened tens of thousands of people.

Dozens of exhibitors and most Chinese participants cancelled due to travel restrictions and concerns about the new coronavirus, which has sickened dozens of people in this Southeast Asian city-state.

But authorities said the show, held once every two years, should go on even after a business meeting at a city hotel last month led to the virus spreading to several countries. Officials have urged calm while also deploying police around quarantine quarters to ensure that patients or those suspected of having the virus do not share it further.

Speaking at an opening ceremony Monday night, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat urged those attending the air show to forego handshakes and other contact by using other greetings, such as the traditional Chinese clasping of one's own hands, bowing or just waving.

Heng acknowledged the blow to the aviation industry from the outbreak, which has caused cancellations of tens of thousands of flights, mainly to and within China but also affected regional travel. The air show has scaled back by half the number of people allowed to attend when it's opened to the public later in the week.

"Depending on how the situation changes in the coming days, additional measures may be introduced," Heng said. "Your well-being is of utmost importance." Heng said more than 930 companies had opted to participate in the show, "suggesting the Singapore Airshow is still regarded as one of the world's leading aerospace and defense exhibitions."