Covid-19: Singapore Implements ‘Circuit Breaker’ to Arrest the Spread of Covid-19

A circuit breaker to minimise further spread of Covid-19 – stay at home, avoid socialising with others beyond your own household, and only go out if you need to get essentials. In a national address on 3 April 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the ‘circuit breaker’ measures to deal with the Covid-19 situation.

The aim is to reduce much more significantly movements and interactions in public and private places.

To do this, schools will move towards full home-based learning and most physical workplace premises will be closed.  Businesses providing essential services and those in selected economic sectors which are critical for local and global supply chains will remain open.

“The rules are simple, and we hope everyone takes this seriously: stay at home. There is no more rule of ten or whatever number – just stay at home. Avoid interactions with anyone outside of your family members living together with you in the same household,” said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong at a press conference.

Closure of Workplaces

Many workplaces, including all public service agencies, have already implemented telecommuting arrangements for a majority of their employees.

However, further action to reduce even more the proportion of the workforce who commute for work are necessary. All businesses, social, or other activities that cannot be conducted through telecommuting from home will be suspended from 7 April 2020 to 4 May 2020 (inclusive).

How will the work premise closures affect you?

• You should still get paid if your company is operating fully.
• For companies that have to reduce/cease operations, the Government will enhance the Jobs Support Scheme. Employees should continue to be paid. Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will announce details in the next few days.

What if employers have foreign workers?

For employers that need to retain workers to help restart businesses, the Government is considering:

• Waiver of foreign worker levies for the next four weeks.
• Temporary help to ensure essential workforce is available for re-start.

Employers should provide clear communication to their employees on work arrangements and ensure that they can keep in touch to provide mutual support.

For queries and assistance, please contact MOM at 6438 5122 (in operation daily including 4^th / 5^th April from 8.30am to 5.30pm)

See more information on heightened safe distancing measures from the Ministry of Health.

See more details about additional safe distancing measures for the workplace from the Ministry of Manpower.