The multi-agency exercise against flu pandemic, which started here Friday, can help identify areas for improvement in Singapore's preparedness and response measures, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng said after witnessing a drill at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

According to Channel NewsAsia report, Wong said that Singapore has to take every precaution against a possible flu pandemic outbreak, which include conducting effective surveillance and detection, preparing the healthcare facilities and workers, as well as educating the public to keep vigilant.

Code-named Sparrowhawk II, it is the city state's first nation- wide emergency exercise against flu pandemic, which has rolled out at 19 locations including airport, checkpoint, schools and hospitals.

More than 1,000 personnel from 21 ministries and government agencies, over 10,000 medical workers, as well as volunteers and members of the public, participate in the two-day exercise.

Source: Xinhua