After some 26 months of strict safe management measures (SMMs) since February 2020, all workers may now concurrently return to their respective workplaces from 26 April 2022.
This follows the Government’s announcement on 22 April 2022 that it will adjust the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) framework level from Orange to Yellow.
Multi-Ministry Taskforce Co-Chair Gan Kim Yong shared that despite the easing of SMMs some three weeks earlier, the number of daily cases has been on the decline.
“Infections have continued to decrease. Over the past week, the average number of daily cases has been about 3100… This gives us the confidence to resume even more economic and social activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung shared that the change in DORSCON level marks an important milestone in Singapore’s fight against COVID-19.
He said: “We know the danger is, of course, not over but we can all breathe easier now.
“I just want to say this is really a result of all our hard work, all our perseverance, all our collective efforts.”
Workplace Requirements
From 26 April 2022, all workers may now return to the workplace.
Finance Minister Lawrence Wong added that workers will also be allowed to remove their masks at the workplace, provided that “they are not physically interacting with one another” nor are they “in customer facing areas where interaction is likely to happen.”
“We will continue to encourage everyone to exercise responsibility even when you take off your mask while you're working,” he said.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also issued a statement that it will continue to encourage employers to retain and promote flexible work arrangements as a permanent feature at the workplace. This includes arrangements such as telecommuting and staggered working hours.
MOH said that this will help alleviate peak hour crowds as more and more workers head back to the workplace.
Group Sizes
There will no longer be a group size limit of 10. This includes mask-off activities.
The limit on the number of unique visitors per household will also be lifted.
Masks
Mask-wearing will continue to be required in indoor settings. This also includes when commuting via public transport.
Mask-wearing remains optional in outdoor settings.
Safe Distancing
As group sizes will be lifted, safe distancing will no longer be required between individuals or between groups from 26 April 2022. There will also be no cap to capacity limits for large scale events from that date onwards.
