On March 20, 2020, the Ministry of Manpower further issued a series of advisories, including Advisory on safe distancing measures at the workplace, General advisory for workplaces and frontline workers in response to confirmed cases of local transmission of COVID-19 in Singapore, Advisory to foreign domestic workers (FDWs), employers and employment agencies on COVID-19 precautionary measures, etc.. Employers should take appropriate precautionary measures to prevent the COVID-19 transmission.
The Ministry of Manpower encourages employers to impose a 14-day company-Leave of Absence (LOA) to all employees who return from overseas travel between March 14, 2020, and March 20, 2020 (See Here). Employers and self-employed Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents may be eligible to apply for $100 daily support under the Leave of Absence Support Program for workers or persons who were not required to serve mandatory Stay-Home Notice but went on company-imposed LOA or self-imposed LOA (See Here).
On May 26, 2020, a tripartite advisory on ensuring the sustainability of the waste management sector in view of COVID-19 was issued (See Here). The advisory stipulates recommendations on service buyers and providers to ensure the sustainability of the waste management sector in view of COVID-19. The service buyers are recommended to comply with the existing Code of Practice on Environmental Health and Acts by maintaining some baseline level of waste management services to guard against potential public health or environmental issues.
Singapore has started resuming activities in phases from June 2, 2020. For the First Phase of Safe-Reopening, businesses with lower risk of COVID-19 transmission has started to re-open as long as Safe Management Measures are adopted (https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/requirements-for-safe-management-measures).
On June 4, 2020, a tripartite advisory on ensuring safe operations of lifts and escalators, and sustainability of the industry in view of COVID-19 was published (See Here). The Lifts and Escalators owners, as well as the Lifts and Escalators maintenance service buyers and providers should follow the recommendations under the advisory, such as continue routine maintenance, ensure COVID-Safe practices and measures among maintenance personnel, pay Lifts and Escalators maintenance service providers appropriately, etc.
Starting from March 21, 2020, all incoming travelers, including Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long Term Pass holder, have been required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice.
Starting from June 17, 2020, Singapore will introduce an additional testing regime for all incoming travelers before the end of their quarantine time (https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/gradual-re-opening-of-travel-and-changes-to-border-measures).
In addition, to reduce the risk of importing the COVID-19 virus, all employers are strongly urged to defer bringing pass holders into Singapore (More Info). Employers are subject to additional responsibilities for all foreign employees, including ensuring a suitable place of residence and a SIM card with a Singapore mobile number for Ministry of Manpower to contact them before they leave for Singapore. Employers must ensure the foreign employees in compliance with the 14 days Stay-Home Notice.
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
– Ministry of Manpower (Click Here)
– Ministry of Health (Main Website)