The Singapore government recognises that fighting the COVID-19 virus outbreak has been an uphill battle.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in Parliament today (Feb 28) that public officers at the frontline of this COVID-19 battle will get a “special bonus” of up to one extra month.
According to Mr Heng, the frontline workers will include many healthcare officers in restructured hospitals and the Health Ministry, as well as some officers in other frontline agencies who have been directly involved in fighting COVID-19.
“Our frontline workers have shown outstanding courage and dedication. They are out there making daily sacrifices to fight this war against the unknown,” said Mr Heng.
“While we cannot thank them enough, we can show our appreciation and support in a tangible way,” he said as part of his Budget debate speech.
Other public officers who have contributed significantly will be recognised in “appropriate ways”, he added.
As a show of solidarity to Singaporeans coping with the outbreak, all political office leaders, including President Halimah Yacob and MPs, will take a one month cut in their salary.
Some senior public service officers will also take a half month pay cut.
Public Health Preparedness (PHP) clinics will also receive a one-off COVID-19 grant to support them in their active role of caring for patients with respiratory symptoms.
Featured Image Credit: AFP
