A man, wearing a protective facemask amid fears about the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, walks past the Rain Vortex display at Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore on February 27, 2020. (ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP)

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s government said on Wednesday it was not ruling out holding a general election during the coronavirus outbreak in the city-state, saying strong leadership was needed in a crisis.

When you are sailing into a storm, you want to be certain who your captain is and that he will not change halfway

Teo Chee Hean, Senior minister, Singapore

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Singapore, which must hold a ballot by early 2021, revised its electoral boundaries earlier this month, in a move typically seen as a precursor to calling a vote. Some opposition parties have urged against an election due to health risks.

Responding to a question in parliament, senior minister Teo Chee Hean said “the present situation is not ideal” but added that because the outbreak could go on for some time, the country could go for early elections.

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“When you are sailing into a storm, you want to be certain who your captain is and that he will not change halfway.”

 A government minister leading Singapore’s coronavirus task force broke down in tears midway through a speech in parliament on Wednesday as he thanked healthcare workers and others for their efforts in tackling the pandemic.

“Words are not enough,” said Lawrence Wong, his voice shaking before he abruptly stopped the speech, began crying and said “please give me a minute”.

Singapore which has been battling a coronavirus outbreak for over two months, has seen a sharp rise in mainly imported cases in recent days to a total of 558 infections and on Saturday recorded its first deaths from the virus.