From April 5, more employees can return to the workplace and splitting of teams will no longer be mandated.
Co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force Lawrence Wong announced today (March 24) that Singapore will move from the default working from home arrangement to a more “flexible and hybrid way” of working.
Currently, 50 per cent of a company’s employees can be at the office at any one time. This will be increased to 75 per cent come April 5.
In addition, the current cap on the time spent at the office will be lifted.
“We will no longer mandate the requirement for splitting teams, but we will strongly encourage employers to still stagger the start times and implement flexible working hours, and of course, employers must continue to implement all prevailing safe management measures,” said Mr Wong.
Measures In Place To Lower COVID-19 Transmission Risks
Despite the easing of some Covid-19 measures, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release today that it is still necessary to lower transmission risks by reducing interactions and crowding at common spaces.
Thus, social and recreational events such as team bonding initiatives have to be limited to eight people. Restrictions against cross-deployment across workplaces also remain in place, and companies are urged to adhere to the necessary safe distancing and capacity limits.
Employers also have to continue to implement measures such as regular cleaning of common spaces and mask-wearing at all times.
Enforcement action will be taken against employers who fail to comply with the safe management measures. This includes the possibility of workplace closures.
“If there is increased risk of COVID-19 resurgence, we will have to adjust our posture and more stringent measures at workplaces will have to be re-introduced,” said MOH.
Featured Image Credit: SAYS
