SINGAPORE, Feb 6, The Straits Times/ANN - The authorities have designated the status of the coronavirus outbreak here as Yellow - which generally means that, on the whole, life can go on as normal.

However, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Tuesday (Feb 4) that the situation could change to Orange if there is widespread transmission from unknown sources.

That would be just one level below Red, which signifies an out-of-control pandemic.

The Dorscon or Disease Outbreak Response System Condition is part of Singapore's pandemic preparedness plan that describes the current situation and what has to be done.

In the colour coding system, Green means there are just minor problems.

Yellow - the status now - refers either to a mild infection, or a severe infection that is not spreading here, but of which the community needs to be careful.

Orange means the disease is severe with transmission, but is generally contained, and has moderate to high public health impact - as was the case with Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003.