Many workplaces have implemented work-from-home arrangements where possible. This has led to much lower human traffic in Singapore’s business districts. 

However, in order to reduce the risk of further local transmission of COVID-19, more must be done to reduce the number of workers who need to travel for work.

Additional safe distancing measures

These enhanced measures will be from 7 Apr – 4 May 2020:

Essential services can remain open

Essential services such as supermarkets, delivery services, food suppliers and energy manufacturers, are allowed to continue to operate from their premises. The full list can be found here.

Safe distancing measures must be in place: They must submit details of their plans for enhanced safe distancing measures at gobusiness.gov.sg/covid by end of 7 April 2020. 

If your company can telecommute, continue to do so

All non-essential businesses must stop operations at their workplaces. You can only perform work by telecommuting from home.

When telecommuting: You can still go out to buy meals or other essentials, but should minimise time spent outside. 

What should employers do before 7 Apr?

Employers should use the next few days to plan and carry out tasks that must be done at the workplace, before the additional safe distancing measures come into effect.

For employees who cannot work from home: employers should work out clear salary and leave arrangements with them. These should consider government support for wages and subsidies for training.

How are employers being supported through this adjustment?

The Government is looking into further enhancing support measures for businesses and workers. More details will be announced shortly.

What about foreign workers in dorms?

In light of cases in foreign worker dormitories, all foreign workers living in such dormitories will be required to stay within their dormitory premises. MOM is working with dormitory operators on immediate implementation of additional measures to minimise the risk of transmission within dormitories.