COVID-19 circuit breaker: Closure of workplace premises

Additional safe distancing measures will be implemented in workplaces from 7 Apr 2020

(updated 7 Apr 2020)

All business, social, or other activities that cannot be conducted through telecommuting will be suspended from 7 Apr to 4 May 2020 (inclusive).

This replaces the previous measures posted earlier here, and takes effect 7 Apr 2020.
Essential services will continue to operate

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.

For essential services,

  • Work with minimum staff on premises and implement strict safe distancing
  • Avoid social interactions between workers
  • Suspend operations if staff become infected
Home-Based Learning for Schools

From 8 April 2020 to 4 May 2020, schools and institutes of higher learning will shift to full home-based learning, while preschool and student care centres will suspend services. Private education institutions should also move to home-based learning, or suspend classes otherwise.

Parents working in essential services such as healthcare, who are unable to secure alternative care arrangements may approach their children’s preschools and primary schools for assistance.

Businesses to telecommute where possible

Businesses that can run with employees working from home should continue to do so.

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.

IMDA Advisory on Production Work re: heightened safe distancing measures (issued 4 Apr 2020)

IMDA Advisory on Production Work, 4 Apr 2020

Please take note – and to download pdf:

https://www.facebook.com/download/preview/605114590345940/

1. It was announced on 3 April 2020 that heightened safe distancing measures will be implemented from 7 April 2020 to 4 May 2020 (inclusive) in view of the current COVID-19 situation. This includes the closure of workplaces. Only essential services may remain open.

2. The Infocomm Media Development Authority – IMDA understands that production work such as shoots would have to be put on hold or postponed during this period.

3. The exception to the above is for a very small number of companies involved in critical public service content for COVID-19. If your company is involved with such content, kindly refer to your commissioner to confirm this status.

4. For more information, please visit http://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-updates-and-announcements

We will update once IMDA uploads this issued statement on their own website. In the meantime, you can use these references to guide what you need to do :
https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/faq/
https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/
https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/essentialservices/informationandcommunications/

If your company’s activities are not listed in the list of essential activities, you must suspend your on-site activities. You may continue telecommuting activities from home.”

Only filming services executed for government agencies, that are Covid-related, can receive exemptions, and those will be informed by government. So please don’t clog up the appeals channel.