Covid-19 Updates
Covid-19 related articles relevant to your businesses by the various Government agencies.
Do note that the articles have been sorted in order of their date of publication since Feb 2020, for confirmation on the latest updates, kindly verify them with the respective Government agencies.
If you have any queries, you can write in to us at enquiries@sfma.org.sg to find out more.
From 2 December 2020, MOM will be issuing the updated BluePass (BP 2.0) contact tracing devices for migrant workers in Singapore. The BP 2.0 device distribution will take place over the next three weeks. MOM will inform you of the schedule of distribution separately.
The BP 2.0 device will be interoperable with the TraceTogether (TT) mobile application and Token. This allows for more effective contact tracing and identification of close contacts. This will help to reduce the size of the quarantine ring when COVID positive cases are detected, minimising disruption to work for employers and workers.
MOM require your workers to do a one-for-one exchange of their current BP device for the BP 2.0 device during the distribution exercise. They will need return and de-register their current BP device before they can receive the BP 2.0 device and register the device on FWMOMCare. For easy identification, the BP 2.0 device will be labelled. Please remind your workers to bring along their current BP device and collect their BP 2.0 devices during these exercises. If your worker has misplaced his BP device, your worker will need to inform the officers at the collection session. He will still be able to collect a BP2.0 device.
Usage of BP 2.0 Device
Upon receiving the BP 2.0 device, your workers are required to register them using the FWMOMCare App and check that the devices are functioning. Your worker is required to inform the dormitory operator if the token is faulty or misplaced.
For effective contract tracing, your workers are required to carry the BP 2.0 device with them at all times, including in the dormitory or at the worksite.
While the BP 2.0 device will facilitate contact tracing efforts, it does not protect your workers directly from the infection. Please be reminded that your workers are still required to adhere to all prevailing movement rules. They are only allowed to visit their worksites and assigned RCs with valid Exit Passes.
MOM seek your assistance to remind your workers for the above.
Your workers' privacy is protected
Just like the TraceTogether App, the data on the BP 2.0 device is encrypted with no personal identifiable information stored on the device. Even if someone unlawfully extracts the data from the device, they will not be able to make sense of the data.
The Ministry of Law has recently announced further changes to the relief periods under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act.
The updated relief periods are as follows:
19 November 2020
31 December 2020
31 January 2021
31 March 2021
Quick Build Dormitories (QBDs) are a pilot of how dormitories in Singapore can be designed and structured in the future, and a glimpse of the new living standards for the migrant worker community in Singapore. The pilot QBDs will serve as a guide for improved standards in permanent new dormitories, and provide good examples of how these standards can also be implemented in existing dormitories. Please see the visuals of the improved standards in QBDs in the Annex.
We aim to make dormitory living and design more resilient to public health risks like COVID-19, and the QBDs will pilot improved standards, as per the press release by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of National Development (MND) in June 2020. The new QBDs will provide a safer and more conducive environment for your migrant workers, with de-densified living spaces and en-suite toilet facilities. To enhance Safe Living, communal areas for dining and laundry will be segregated by residential blocks to reduce inter-mixing. Recreational facilities such as minimarts, canteens and gyms will also be available.
A total of 25,000 migrant workers will benefit from 15 new QBDs by the second half of 2021. Currently, seven QBDs with a housing capacity for 8000 migrant workers have been built.
Everyone must do their part. Together, we will overcome COVID-19.
For further queries, please contact:
Ministry of Manpower
Online enquiry
www.mom.gov.sg
On 29 September 2020, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) disseminated an advisory on the introduction of pilot night clinics for migrant workers.
We have reviewed the results of the pilot initiative. The availability of night clinics has allowed migrant workers to seek medical attention after their working hours; this could reduce the number of sick day that workers take and reduce disruption to work.
In view of the results, the Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group plans to extend the duration of night clinics beyond 31 October 2020. From 1 November 2020, the three Regional Medical Centres will continue to be operational from 6:30pm to 9:30pm daily, on top of their regular daytime operating hours.
Employers and dormitory operators may schedule a night-time appointment on behalf of migrant workers by calling the Managing Agent in charge of the dormitory's region. If your worker lives in a dormitory, transport will be arranged by the Managing Agent to and from the medical centres. If your worker resides in the community (i.e. HDB or Private Residential Premises), employers should self-arrange transport on behalf of your worker.
South & West - Regional Medical Centre @ Space @ Tuas Recreation Centre
14 Tuas Ave 1, Singapore 639499
Tel: +65 8349 1374 (9:30am - 9:30pm)
North - Regional Medical Centre @ Cochrane Recreation Centre
100 Sembawang Drive, Singapore 756998
Tel: +65 8933 7756 (9:30am / 5:30pm) / +65 8544 4250 (6:30pm - 9:30pm)
East - Regional Medical Centre @ Kaki Bukit Recreation Centre
7 Kaki Bukit Ave 3, Singapore 415814
Tel: +65 8933 7687 (9:30am - 9:30pm)
We hope that this initiative will continue to serve our migrant workers well. ACE Group will continue to review our clinic operating hours to ensure that migrant workers continue to have good access to care.
For further queries, please contact:
Ministry of Manpower
Online enquiry
www.mom.gov.sg
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had earlier issued an advisory to inform all employers that they are required to arrange private transportation for migrant workers (MWs) staying in dormitories, to commute to and from their worksites without any stops at other places. This is a legal requirement for employers of dormitory residents under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations. It helps to protect the workers from COVID-19 infection, and thereby reduces the risk that business operations will be disrupted.
We have found, however, that some MWs have been stopping their private transportation (e.g. company lorries) at community areas (e.g. food courts, grocery stores) during their travel to and from their worksites. To minimise the risk of COVID infection, please ensure that you instruct your workers to go directly to and from their worksites with no stops in between.
If workers taking private transport to or from worksites on work days are found to have stopped at community areas without valid reasons, MOM may take action against the employer and workers. Those found infringing these Regulations may face a $10,000 fine and/or 6-month imprisonment for the first offence, and curtailment of work pass privileges. Currently, the only valid reasons for stopping private transportation at non-work or non-dorm locations on work days are to run essential errands or for swab testing.
We seek your understanding and cooperation to instruct your workers who are driving private transportation not to stop at non-work or non-dorm locations on their way to or from work.
From 18 October 2020, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be issuing new wearable Contact Tracing (CT) devices to your migrant workers over the next few weeks.
The contact-tracing devices will be distributed with the support of the Forward Assurance and Support Teams (FAST) to migrant workers living in purpose-built dormitories. Workers living in other types of accommodation will be issued their devices at Regional Screening Centres (for Rostered Routine Tests). Self-collection points will be set up for workers residing in decant sites and other forms of accommodation. Employers and workers will be informed of the collection dates subsequently.
Click here for the press release of this initiative.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) support on Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) for you and your workers.
Introducing In-Dormitory RRT Facilities
In addition to increasing the number of Regional Screening Centres, MOM and HPB have also introduced more RRT facilities within dormitories to allow your workers to undergo RRT at their place of residence. There are currently 24 operational in-dormitory RRT facilities, with nine more to be set up by end-October. Some of these facilities will also offer night swabs for the workers to accommodate their work cycles.
If your workers reside in dormitories with RRT facilities, you should schedule your workers' RRT appointments at their dormitories. This adds to the convenience and ease for you and your workers to undergo RRT. For more information on in-dorm RRT and a complete list of dormitories, please click here to refer to an infographic.
Scaling up of Regional Screening Centres
More Regional Screening Centres are in the pipeline to ensure that swab testing needs continue to be met. The plan is to have 25 to 30 Regional Screening Centres progressively in operation by the end of the year and about two-thirds of these sites will be conducting RRT.
Increasing Convenience of Periodic Testing
Through the use of the Swab Registration System (SRS), you can conveniently select preferred swab locations and testing dates to schedule your workers for testing at the various Regional Screening Centres and in-dormitory RRT facilities.
Useful resources
Please refer to the following documents for more information:
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) disseminated an advisory on how migrant workers should report sick.
Continued vigilance is critical in our fight against COVID-19 and workers who are unwell should not return to work but should see a doctor. Today, migrant workers can see a doctor at a regional medical centre, which is operational from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily, or via Telemedicine, which is accessible through the FWMOMCare mobile application.
From 1 October 2020 to 31 October 2020, three Regional Medical Centres will be operational from 6.30pm to 9.30pm daily, in addition to their regular daytime operating hours.
Regional Medical Centre @ Space @ Tuas Recreation Centre
14 Tuas Ave 1, Singapore 639499
Tel: +65 8349 1374 (9:30am - 9:30pm)
Regional Medical Centre @ Cochrane Recreation Centre
100 Sembawang Drive, Singapore 756998
Tel: +65 8933 7756 (9:30am / 5:30pm) / +65 8544 4250 (6:30pm - 9:30pm)
Regional Medical Centre @ Kaki Bukit Recreation Centre
7 Kaki Bukit Ave 3, Singapore 415814
Tel: +65 8933 7687 (9:30am - 9:30pm)
Employers and dormitory operators may schedule a night-time appointment by calling the Managing Agent in charge of the dormitory's region.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had sent you a bulletin on 19 August 2020 to advise you on Rostered Routine Testing (RRT). This is a reminder to employers who are required to schedule their eligible workers for RRT, to do so if you have not done so. You are not required to register your workers for RRT if your worker does not fall into the two groups mentioned at para 2 and this message does not apply to you.
Please note that the following groups of workers are required to undergo RRT and they must do so every 14 days:
Workers staying in dormitories [1]. Please see footnote below on definition of dormitories.
Workers in the Construction, Marine and Process sectors and personnel who go into these work sites [2].
Foreign workers working in the Manufacturing and Services sectors are only required to undergo RRT if the workers live in dormitories or go into the work sites.
Workers must have completed a swab test in the past 14 days by 5 September 2020
The workers who are required to undergo RRT will need to have completed a swab test in the past 14 days by 5 September 2020. Workers who have not done so will have their AccessCode Status reflected as Red under the "Health Status" and will not be able to return to work.
If you have workers who are required to undergo RRT and have not been scheduled to do so, please do it quickly. Use the Health Promotion Board's Swab Registration System (SRS) to schedule your workers for RRT. Your company admin should have received an email with the password and link to access the SRS page. If you have not received them, please check with your respective sector lead.
You must log in to the SRS regularly to check if there are new workers you need to schedule for RRT.
If you have queries on these requirements, you should approach your sector lead:
Sector Leads' Contact Information
Construction sector - SRS_Enquiries@bca.gov.sg
Marine and process sectors - swab@edb.gov.sg
Manufacturing / services workers staying in dormitories - www.mom.gov.sg/feedback
If you are facing issues with using the SRS, you can write in to AskSRS@hpb.gov.sg.
[1] This includes foreign workers residing in purpose-built dormitories, factory-converted dormitories, Construction Temporary Quarters, Temporary Occupational Licence premises and Temporary Living Quarters.
[2] All foreign workers in the Construction, Marine and Process sectors are required to be tested regularly, unless they only work in company's office premises. You may check WPOL for the sector of your workers. Workers who are eligible for RRT will be reflected on SRS.
Regional medical support structure to support migrant workers
Currently, most purpose-built dormitories have on-site medical centres while the other dormitories are supported by regional medical centres. With all the dormitories cleared, the Government will be shifting to primarily a regional medical support concept while retaining on-site medical centres for a handful of large purpose-built dormitories. The regional medical centres will operate across the island and serve pre-dominantly migrant workers living in dormitories. Migrant workers will also continue to be supported by telemedicine, which is available via the FWMOMCare mobile application. In the immediate term, the Government will continue to fund these medical initiatives to ensure migrant workers continue to be treated for acute respiratory illness (ARIs) and other conditions, so that we continue to monitor closely and manage the risks of any outbreaks.
As the dormitories continue to be at risk of new infections, migrant workers who reside in dormitories* can only use these Government-provided initiatives for non-emergency medical attention. Transportation will be provided to bring the migrant workers to the medical centres. This advisory will take effect from 28 August 2020.
*Dormitories refer to Purpose-built Dormitories, Factory-converted Dormitories, Construction Temporary Quarters, Temporary Living Quarters, Quarters on Temporary Occupation Licence Sites and Government-provided accommodation facilities (e.g. Decant Sites such as vacant HDB flats and sports halls). It excludes private residential premises and HDB flats.
Employers' responsibilities in providing medical support
As an employer, you play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of your workers. To play your part, you should familiarise yourself with the Post-Dorm Clearance Medical Support Plan (Annex A).
Print out and display the Medical Support Poster for Migrant Workers (Annex B) at areas commonly accessed by migrant workers at your workplace or in their dormitory.
Ensure that unwell workers seek medical attention at a Medical Centre for Migrant Workers (Annex C-1). Alternatively, they can also seek medical attention via Telemedicine, which they can access via the FWMOMCare mobile application.
Book an appointment prior to any physical visit to medical centres and ensure dedicated transportation for such visits. Do this via the dormitory operator if your workers reside in a commercial dormitory. Such arrangements can be done through a phone call to the managing agent in charge of the region where your worker is located, who will provide transportation to and from dormitories. You should self-arrange transportation for your workers residing in the community (e.g. Private Residential Premises or HDB Flats).
If your workers reside in the community, you have the additional options of bringing your workers to Polyclinics, Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs), or other GPs, including designated GPs to serve migrant workers (Annex C-2), at your own expense. You should similarly self-arrange dedicated transportation to and from such clinics.
For further queries, please refer to the FAQs (Annex D). Otherwise, please contact:
Ministry of Manpower - https://www.mom.gov.sg/feedback
Ministry of Health - https://crms.moh.gov.sg/mohfeedback.aspx
To date, there remains 118,000 workers who need to undergo RRT and have not yet been scheduled. Employers are reminded to schedule their workers as soon as possible, as MOM are planning to update AccessCode System such that workers who are required to undergo RRT but failed to do so will have Red AccessCode.
Schedule appointment slots early
To avoid disruption to business operations, employers are advised to schedule appointment slots in Health Promotion Board's Swab Registration System (SRS) page for their workers early so that they can secure a preferred testing dates and location.
Your Company Admin should have received an email with password and link to access SRS page. Please check your junk/spam folder for the email as well. If you have not received them, please check with your respective sector lead:
Construction sector - SRS_Enquiries@bca.gov.sg
Marine and process sectors - swab@edb.gov.sg
Manufacturing/services workers staying in dormitories - http://www.mom.gov.sg/feedback
You should also approach your respective sector leads, if you have queries on testing requirements.
Employers who face issues when using the SRS can write in to AskSRS@hpb.gov.sg, or refer to the SRS User Guide attached.
Check Swab Registration System (SRS) regularly
As all dormitory residents have completed testing and hence required to go through RRT, employers should also log in SRS regularly to check if there are new workers that they need to schedule appointments for.
Pls see the following for more information:
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced additional support measures of S$8 billion for businesses and workers.
The appended infographics from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) give businesses an overview of the various measures. You may wish to visit https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2020/AugustStatement to read DPM's Ministerial Statement in full and refer to the Annexes for more details on the measures.
As all dormitories are now cleared of COVID-19, employers will be moving their workers out of or into the cleared dormitories to facilitate cohorting arrangements to meet sectoral agencies' COVID-Safe Accommodation requirements. This advisory guides employers and dormitory operators on the measures to take to minimise the risk of transmission as they facilitate the movement of workers to and across dormitories.
Moving Migrant Workers Out of Cleared Dormitories
Currently, MOM's prior approval must be sought before workers could be shifted out of their dormitories (or temporary Government-provided accommodation). This is to minimise movement and ensure that only healthy workers could move to new accommodation, to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 between dormitories and protect healthy workers from becoming infected.
With the dormitories now cleared of COVID-19, employers and dormitory operators are no longer required to seek MOM's prior approval as long as they take the following steps before moving their workers out of their current dormitories:
Dormitory operators and employers must check that the workers are healthy (based on AccessCode status of "Cleared" and "Recovered") and not on Quarantine Order (QO) or Stay-Home Notice (SHN),
Employers should schedule their workers for regular routine testing (RRT) through Health Promotion Board's (HPB) Swab Registration System (SRS), and
Dormitory operators must update their dormitory nominal rolls to either delete the outgoing workers or insert the incoming workers respectively. Employers need to update the workers' new address in the Online Foreign Worker Address System (OFWAS) and ensure that the workers have downloaded and activated the FWMOMCare, SGWorkPass and TraceTogether mobile applications.
Employers who are moving their workers into private residential premises (PRPs) and HDB flats are reminded that they can only house up to six workers per unit.
Admitting New Residents into Cleared Dormitories
To minimise the risks of transmission when new workers are introduced into the cleared dormitories, dormitory operators[1] should only admit new residents who are currently not serving Quarantine Order (QO) or Stay-Home Notice (SHN) and fulfil at least one of the criteria below:
have been tested COVID-negative within the past 14 days; or
have recovered from COVID within the past 180 days; or
are required to move by the Joint Taskforce or sectoral agencies and has been undergoing RRT or Active Surveillance Swab.
For new residents who do not meet these criteria, dormitory operators may admit them only if they are able to room them separately[2] from the rest of the residents until they have been tested COVID-negative ("onboarding period"). In addition, these new residents can only leave the dormitory for work, to run essential errands, or for emergency purposes, during the onboarding period. The onboarding period minimises the risk of transmission to the dormitory population in the event that the new resident is infected with COVID. More details of the requirements for new residents can be found in the Annex.
Annex - Requirements for Onboarding Period
With Immediate Effect
The above new measures will apply with immediate effect. We appreciate dormitory operators' and employers' cooperation in the implementation of these new measures to help keep the dormitories remain cleared of COVID-19.
The advisory is also available on the MOM website. For further queries, please refer to the FAQs. Otherwise, please contact:
Ministry of Manpower - https://www.mom.gov.sg/feedback
FAQs - Movement of Workers between Cleared Dormitories
Ministry of Manpower
[1] Applies to operators of cleared dormitories housing seven or more migrant workers, including Purpose-Built Dormitories (PBDs), Factory-Converted Dormitories (FCDs), Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQs), Temporary Occupation Licence Quarters (TOLQs) and Temporary Living Quarters (TLQs), excluding Government-provided accommodation facilities (e.g. vacant HDB flats, old schools and sports halls).
[2] Dormitory operators should ensure that new residents are not housed in the same rooms as existing residents during the onboarding period. New residents should also have designated toilets for their exclusive use, which should not be shared with existing residents. Dormitory operators should also designate a section of other common amenities/facilities (e.g. recreational areas) for new residents, or schedule the use of such facilities, such that the new and existing residents do not intermix.
As your workers gradually return to work, it is important to stay vigilant and help keep workplaces safe and healthy. Workers will be tested every two weeks once they resume work to minimise the resurgence of cases. It is important to take immediate action when a worker is notified of a positive COVID-19 test result or to serve a Quarantine Order (QO).
How will your workers be notified?
If your worker test positive for COVID-19, the results will be sent to him electronically via SMS.
If your worker is a close contact of a positive case, QO will be issued to him either via a physical hardcopy memo or electronically via SMS.
What you need to know
If your worker is residing in a dormitory, the dormitory operator will inform you of the isolation arrangements once your worker is notified.
If your worker is residing in a private residential property (PRP), HDB flat or a TLQ that is approved with a maximum capacity of less than 6 persons, MOH will communicate to your worker(s) the steps to take. If your worker(s) do not hear from anyone in the next 24 hours, please call MOH Emergency Line or the MOH Quarantine Officer.
Your worker(s) who are on quarantined will either be isolated at the dormitory's quarantine facility, or Government Quarantine Facility. For infected workers, they will be cared for in a Community Care Facility or hospital. Employers can use the "Government Facilities Listing" feature within the Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS) to check on the location of your workers.
For worker(s) who receive a QO, do note that they are not tested positive at the point of notification.
Your workers will not be allowed to go to work and their AccessCode status will turn Red within 24 hours.
What you need to do
Make arrangements for the affected worker(s) to return to the dormitory once you are notified and the worker is on-site.
Identify workplace close contacts of the COVID positive worker and isolate them immediately while they wait for transport arrangements. Sector agencies, together with MOH, will advise if there is a need for further precautionary measures.
Inform worker to immediately upload the code into the TraceTogether app, if the worker(s) is notified of a positive COVID-19 test result.
How to Upload your TraceTogether Data (all languages)
Where you can seek clarifications
You can approach your dormitory operator or the FAST Team member to enquire about your worker's well-being during the period of isolation.
If you have questions about your worker's QO contact the Quarantine Officer (MOH) at 6653 2410 or MOH Emergency Line at 1800 333 9999 for any other COVID-related queries.
Any worker that must be isolated will be taken care of. There will be medical care that will be given throughout their journey of recovery and quarantine duration.
Businesses are allowed to operate from Phase two of the Circuit Breaker on 19 June 2020 provided that proper Safe Management Measures are implemented at the worksites. This becomes even more critical for food manufacturers with large numbers of workers in close proximity at the workplace.
We urge all businesses to remain alert and take reference from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)'s checklist of Safe Management Measures (SMM) for the resumption of business activities. The checklist can be found here.
In particular, businesses should note that the following breaches will result in a Composition Fine for first time offenders, and further escalation for repeated offenders:
Failure to appoint a Safe Management Officer to assist in the implementation and coordination of the system of SMM.
Failure to establish a system to implement the above SMM to provide a safe working environment and minimise risks of further outbreaks.
Failure to limit access to the workplace to only permitted employees and authorised visitors and ensure that the SafeEntry visitor management system is used to record the entry of all personnel (including employees and visitors) entering the workplace.
Failure to implement WFH unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so.
Failure to ensure that employees keep a clear physical distance of at least 1m between individuals at all times.
Failure to ensure all personnel in the workplace wear masks at all times.
Failure to and ensure that employees do not socialise or congregate in groups at the workplace (e.g. at common spaces such as staff canteens, pantries, water coolers/vending machines, smoking corners, etc.), including during meals or breaks.
Please note that the list above is not exhaustive. Businesses are advised to refer to the MOM's checklist for a more exhaustive list of SMM for compliance. More resources to assist companies in complying with SMM can be found here.
For assistance to put in place IT solutions and equipment to enhance business processes in line with SMM advisories, businesses may wish to consider the Productivity Solutions Grant. These could include the likes of online collaboration tools, virtual meeting and telephony tools, queue management systems and temperature screening solutions. Businesses can refer to the following link for more details: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/financial-assistance/grants/for-local-companies/productivity-solutions-grant.
This week's bulletin focuses on how workers housed in temporary Living Quarters (TLQ) can be cleared for work, i.e. have a green AccessCodes.
Obtain approval for the TLQ
First, the workers must be residing in an approved TLQ. From 27 May 2020, employers must apply to MOM and obtain our approval first before housing any workers in a TLQ. Employers who had submitted a declaration for TLQ prior to 27 May 2020 need not re-apply. For more information, please refer to https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/apply-for-tlq
Important clarification: An approval for your TLQ does not mean your workers are cleared for work
TLQs housing more than 6 workers* must be tested clear of COVID and implement safe living measures first before the workers are approved for work. You will receive an approval email which will state that your TLQ has been cleared for work if all conditions have been met. Please see refer to info sheet on AccessCode for more information.
*TLQs housing 6 or less workers do not need to be cleared. Workers can go to work if they have cleared their health status, the TLQ is approved, their addresses are updated in OFWAS.
Ensure that your workers' addresses are accurately updated
You must ensure that your workers' TLQ addresses are updated accurately in OFWAS. The workers' addresses in OFWAS and the TLQ Nominal Roll ( namelist of residents) must match before their AccessCodes will turn green. The Nominal Roll must be uploaded on Dormwatch under "Resident Registration".
Check your workers' AccessCodes
The workers' AccessCodes must be "Green" before they can return to work.
Employers can log in to the Safe@Work eService portal with your CorpPass to check the AccessCode details of your work permit holders or S Pass holders. Please refer to the info sheet on how to use the Safe@Work portal.
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) issued a Guidance Note on Business Collaborations today. In light of the disruption arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses may need to temporarily collaborate to improve the supply of essential goods and services in Singapore. This Guidance Note provides more clarity on permissible collaborations between competitors and is meant to give businesses confidence in pursuing such collaborations.
Please download the circular for more details.
The Rental Relief law was passed to provide relief to SME tenants (including sub-tenants and licensees) who have been affected by COVID-19. Details on the framework, such as who qualifies and the amount of relief available, can be found in the following document:
We would like to alert employers to the SMS alert feature of TraceTogether (TT)
TT is an App that helps to identify contacts who have been in close proximity with a confirmed case during the infectious period, so that the Ministry of Health (MOH) can quickly follow up with the necessary public health action such as quarantine of close contacts.
TT users who are tested COVID-19 positive will be notified via SMS on their health status and to upload their TT records.
Employers are advised that should a worker inform the employer that he has been notified via TT on his COVID-19 status, employers should continue to advise the worker to wear a mask and assure the worker that he would continue to care for him. Worker should be isolated from the rest, and he and his close contacts should await further instructions from MOH. For the general measures that employers should adopt when there is a confirmed or suspect case of COVID-19 at the workplace, please refer to MOM's earlier advisory.
This advisory is also available on the MOM website. For further queries, please contact:
Ministry of Manpower - https://www.mom.gov.sg/feedback
Ministry of Health - https://crms.moh.gov.sg/mohfeedback.aspx
More businesses have been able to resume activities at their workplaces since the start of Phase 2 re-opening on 19 June. All businesses are required to put in place mandatory Safe Management Measures (SMM) to provide a COVID-safe environment for workers and consumers.
To reinforce the importance of these measures and allow your members to better understand the key requirements, MTI would like to share the following communication collaterals for your easy reference:
Safe Management Advisories for all workplaces (in English, Mandarin and Malay)
Materials on Phase 2 published in the main dallies from 18-21 June (in all four languages)
Infographics on digital solutions for SMM
These materials can be downloaded from this link: https://we.tl/t-jRKbKzSfEK
For more information on Safe Management Measures and sector-specific requirements, please visit: https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/safemanagement/general ("Safe Management Requirements").
For those resuming operations in Phase 2, please be reminded to submit your on-site manpower numbers on the COVID GoBusiness portal (https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg) within two weeks of resuming operations.
Indicative Timeline For Dormitory To Be Cleared Of COVID-19
The Inter-agency Task Force (ITF) is clearing all remaining dormitories in the coming months. MOM aim to test and clear workers as quickly possible, while safeguarding the good health of all residents by ensuring that they are tested negative or have recovered from COVID-19 before resuming work.
MOM will be providing an indicative forecast of dormitories and blocks to be cleared in the coming weeks, to aid employers and dormitory operators in their planning. The schedule can be found here.
The order of clearance of blocks and dormitories are based on: the number of recovered workers originally from the dormitory and who have been discharged; the spread of COVID in the dormitory; and inputs from the Building & Construction Authority (BCA) and Economic Development Board (EDB).
The timing of clearance is also subject to revision, as it depends on:
Screening outcomes: Sometimes one test is not enough – workers may have to go through a few tests, and be isolated for a certain period of time. This is to make sure they are clear of COVID-19 and not incubating the virus. On the other hand, in some dormitories, a single round of test is able to clear many blocks without a further test.
Adherence to Safe Distancing: Clearance may be delayed if residents are not sufficiently stringent in practising safe distancing. For example, a PBD with a low infection rate has seen its expected clearance date pushed back by at least a month, because residents did not maintain strict safe distancing measures (SDM), and several instances of residents visiting other rooms were detected.
Overview Of Testing At Dormitories
The Inter-agency Taskforce will be testing all foreign workers in dormitories to allow all to safely return to work.
Your workers may have to undergo a few stages of testing with a mix of serology (blood) and swab tests, as shown in the chart above, depending on the level of infection at the dormitory. Serology test is done to check if your workers have COVID-19 antibodies. If they do, it means that they have had COVID-19 before and is now recovering. Swab test is done to check if your workers have COVID-19. The Inter-agency Taskforce has devised differentiated testing strategies to determine if workers are cleared of COVID-19 to work as quickly as possible and ensure that they are given appropriate medical care.
Workers may be moved to a different location in the dormitory or a facility outside the dormitory depending on their health status to provide them with better care. Your workers will be informed on the tests they have to undergo and their health status.
Please assure your workers that the testing is part of the plan to ensure that they are well and can resume work safely when workplaces re-open.
Final Clearance For Workers To Return To Work
When dormitories are declared cleared of COVID-19, dormitory operators will receive an email from MOM to inform them. Employers should work with dormitory operators and workers to make the final preparations (Details can be found here).
Only when the preparations are completed will the dormitory be given final clearance for workers to leave for work. MOM will again inform the dorm operators once the final approval is given. The workers' AccessCode will turn green if their companies are also approved to resume operations by respective agencies.
If your workers' AccessCode is green and can go to work, please share with them this step-by-step video guide on what they need to do when they return to work. Video can be access here. The videos are also made available in the foreign workers' native languages.
In December 2019, SFA sent a circular to all food manufacturers and traders stating that applicants are required to print watermark export certificates from their office, with effect from 1 May 2020. A reminder was also sent to all food manufacturers and traders in March 2020.
In view of the Circuit Breaker period, SFA is extending the timeline of printing of watermark export certificates for exporters till 31 July 2020. Meanwhile, exporters are reminded to procure watermark printer to print the document from their office as SFA will stop to print watermark export certificates by 1 August 2020. We also encourage those who have purchased the printer to start self-printing their watermark export certificates.
Please refer to the link for the Watermark Printers Compatibility List: >https://licence1.business.gov.sg/web/help-internet/watermark-printers-compatibility-list
You may contact SFA vendor helpdesk at Tel No. 6774 1430, email: licences-helpdesk@crimsonlogic.com.sg for assistance on setting up the printer.
You may contact the following officers if you need assistance:
Mr Lee Woei Sing - lee_woei_sing@sfa.gov.sg
Mr Lim Tiong Peng - lim_tiong_peng@sfa.gov.sg
Mr Mohammad Shah - mohammad_shah_meor_mohamed_zuhri@sfa.gov.sg
Mr Lai Tzi Yuan - lai_tzi_yuan@sfa.gov.sg
Mr Toh Wee Chi - toh_wee_chi@sfa.gov.sg
As announced by the Multi-Ministry Taskforce, most businesses and services will be reopen from 19 June onwards.
Activities to be Resumed in Phase Two (subject to Safe Management Measures)
Retail establishments and lifestyle-related businesses may re-open their physical outlets. All such establishments (including malls, supermarkets and standalone stores) must adhere to the measures outlined in this advisory.
Standalone food and beverage (F&B) establishments predominantly selling beverages can resume operations. F&B dine-in will also be allowed to resume, subject to liquor sales and consumption ceasing at 2230 hours. Live music, radio broadcasts and all forms of television/video screenings, as well as other forms of public entertainment such as dancing, darts or karaoke, are not allowed. All F&B establishments must adhere to the measures outlined in this advisory.
Personal health and wellness, and home-based services will be allowed to resume. All other healthcare services, including eldercare services in the community, individual health screening and aesthetic services, may also resume.
Please refer to https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/permittedlist to check if your business is allowed to resume. If so, you do not need to apply for an exemption before resuming operations. However, you must adhere to the safe management guidelines and submit your manpower details via https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg within two weeks of the date of resumption of operations.
Telecommuting must remain the default for all businesses where feasible. Employees should only come into the office when demonstrably needed.
Changes to Border Measures
From 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, all travellers entering Singapore will be subject to a testing regime. More details on Singapore's measures for inbound travellers in relation to COVID-19 can be found here.
All inbound and outbound travellers who enter Singapore from 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, and leave Singapore from 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, respectively, will be required to pay for their COVID-19 tests, where applicable. In addition, incoming travellers who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, who enter Singapore from 17 June 2020, 2359 hours, will be required to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities, where applicable.
All Singaporeans and residents of Singapore are still advised to defer all travel abroad. However, essential business and official travel will be permitted under Green/ Fast Lane arrangements.
Useful Resources
Please refer to the following links should you require more information pertaining to Phase Two and the relevant Safe Management Measures:
In the coming months, the Inter-agency Task Force is systematically and progressively clearing all remaining dormitories. This requires all migrant workers in the dormitory or blocks within the dormitory to be cleared of COVID-19 (i.e. tested negative or have recovered from COVID-19), before workers can return to work. It is an important step to ensure that we manage the situation well and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the general community.
To further prevent a re-emergence of COVID-19 cases in dormitories, even after all workers in the dormitory/block are assessed to be clear of COVID infections, safe living measures need to be implemented. These measures require the support of all stakeholders – dormitory operators, employers, migrant workers. Once the measures are in place, approval will be granted for workers to resume work (details can be found here).
You can refer to the MOM website for the latest list of COVID-cleared dormitories and check if all conditions have been met for workers to leave the dormitory for work.
Check the AccessCode on "Approved to work" status
When the dormitory has met all conditions for workers to leave the dormitory for work, employers can use SGWorkPass to scan the QR code on their workers' work pass to check the AccessCode for their individual work status. Only workers with "Green" status can leave their dormitory for work.
Some of the common concerns that employers have feedback on the AccessCode are:
Workers' SGWorkPass showing "Grey" status even though they were previously permitted to work during Circuit Breaker period. Affected employers with workers in construction sector accounts should apply to the Building and Construction Authority for approvals to ensure that they meet the COVID-Safe restart criteria. Upon approval, it will take about one to two days for the AccessCode to be updated. Companies may email to BCA_SafeWorkForce@bca.gov.sg if you need further assistance. For other sectors, employers can refer to https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/permittedlist/ to check if they are permitted to operate and email covid_gobusiness@mti.gov.sg if you have further enquiries.
Workers' SGWorkPass showing a "Red" status, even though they are permitted to work. These are mainly due to address errors or because workers have not downloaded the three mobile applications (i.e. FWMOMCare, TraceTogether and SGWorkPass). Employers will need to update their workers' residential addresses through the Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS) for Work Permit holders and EP Online for Employment Pass and S Pass holders. Workers will need to download the three mobile applications and update their mobile numbers, as well as health status and location daily, on the FWMOMCare mobile application. It will take about one to two days for the AccessCode to be updated.
You and your workers can visit the MOM website for more information on resolving these issues. You can refer to the list of conditions behind a "Green", "Grey" or "Red" status on AccessCode.
Mobile application user guides for foreign workers
There are user guides (accessible via the below links) available to teach foreign workers on how to download and use the three mobile applications. Please share these with your workers and guide them to download and use the mobile applications. This is important to keep workers and workplaces safe.
FWMOMCare - https://youtu.be/bkLUI3ma_lw
SGWorkPass - https://youtu.be/G2geb0EAeKw
TraceTogether - https://youtu.be/pD9HAjIS5DU
The Inter-agency Task Force (ITF) has been systematically testing and clearing foreign workers in dormitories so that they can be ready to resume work when workplaces re-open. From 2 June 2020, dormitory operators are required to put in place safe living measures at the dormitories. This applies to all dormitories, including purpose-built dormitories, factory-converted dormitories, construction temporary quarters, temporary occupation living quarters, temporary living quarters and government-provided accommodation facilities.
From 2 June 2020, new Work Pass conditions will be effective to require employers and workers to comply with these measures. The advisory emailed to employers on 30 May provides more details. You must ensure that workers' addresses are updated in the Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS).
You also need to ensure that your workers understand their responsibilities. You should help your workers download the three mobile applications (i.e. FWMOMCare, TraceTogether and SGWorkPass) and assist them if their phones are incompatible with the applications. Do also guide them to update their health status and location daily on the FWMOMCare mobile application. The user guides for FWMOMCare translated into their native languages are available here. These measures are important to prevent a re-emergence of COVID-19 cases in dormitories.
Safe Living Measures in Dormitories
SGWorkPass app
SGWorkPass is an existing app that allows workers to check the validity of their work permit. A new "AccessCode" feature has been created on the app so that employers can check if their foreign worker is permitted to leave his/her residence for work from 2 June 2020. Employers can use SGWorkPass to scan the QR code on their workers' work pass to check on their work status. Only those with "Green" status can leave their dormitory for work. Companies in Construction, Marine and Process sectors will also have to check the work status of their workers and only allow those with "Green" status to enter the worksites. You can approach the dormitory operator or MOM at mom_dormexit_ops@mom.gov.sg if you have any queries or feedback.
Safe Management Measures
With the end of Circuit Breaker, and from 2 June, companies allowed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry or Sector leads (i.e. Building Construction Authority for Construction and Economic Development Board for the Marine and Process sectors) can resume work. These businesses will have to put in place safe management measures. You can refer to this advisory for detailed guidelines. Other businesses will resume in phases and should start implementing these measures ahead of time.
*New! Government Facilitated Location Listing
Separately, we would like to inform you that the "Government Facilitated Location Listing" feature has been created in the Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS) – HERE, so that you can be updated on the location of your workers who have been moved. We are in the process of improving the new feature, including shortening the time between movement and updating of the listing.
To prepare for the recovery of foreign worker dormitories as we exit the Circuit Breaker, the Inter-agency Task Force (ITF) has started to systematically test and clear all foreign worker dormitory residents before they resume work in the coming months. From 2 June 2020, dormitory operators are required to put in place Safe Living measures at the dormitories so that workers can progressively resume work.
2. In tandem with these efforts, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced new Work Pass Conditions under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act on non-domestic Work Permit and S Pass Holders, and their employers. The movement restrictions for workers living in dormitories during the Circuit Breaker, imposed via a set of Additional Work Pass conditions, will lapse on 1 June 2020. From 2 June 2020, employers will be responsible to:
Ensure measures to limit inter-mixing amongst residents are implemented at your workers' dormitory: Employers should check if your workers' dormitory have implemented measures to reduce inter-mixing of residents across rooms, levels and blocks, and the use of common facilities are scheduled.
Monitor your workers' health and take necessary precautions: Employers have to ensure that your workers submit their health readings daily to MOM, and that workers who are unwell are quickly isolated and provided medical treatment.
Ensure your workers leave the dormitory only for work: Only workers who are cleared of COVID-19, and who are residing in specified dormitories or specified blocks within a dormitory will be allowed to leave the dormitory for work, subject to their employers having the approval to re-open. Workers must return to the dormitory immediately after work.
Ensure your workers have access to food and essential items: As workers are not allowed to leave their dormitory to buy groceries or packed meals, employers should ensure their workers continue to have access to food and essential items, regardless whether they are eligible to work.
Cooperate with dormitory operators to facilitate new rooming arrangements: For example, employers should work with dormitory operators to instruct their workers to move to other rooms in the dormitory to facilitate the dormitory clearance process.
Further details of employers' responsibilities can be found in Annex A. Employers must also ensure that your workers understand their responsibilities, as detailed in Annex B. These new Work Pass Conditions will be effective from 2 June 2020. Failure to comply with these conditions may be fined up to $10,000 or jailed up to 12 months, or both.
Employers must also arrange private transportation for your own workers staying in dormitories to commute to and from their workplaces, and with no other passengers.
As we prepare to exit from the Circuit Breaker, we urge employers to remain vigilant and ensure that Safe Living measures are rigorously implemented to reduce the risk of subsequent waves of COVID-19 infections in dormitories.
This advisory is also available on the MOM website. For further queries, please refer to the FAQs (Annex C). Otherwise, please contact:
Ministry of Manpower - https://www.mom.gov.sg/feedback
Ministry of Health - https://crms.moh.gov.sg/mohfeedback.aspx
Annex A & B - Advisory to employers on Safe Living Measures for Foreign Worker Dormtories
Annex C FAQs - Advisory to employers on Safe Living Measures for Foreign Worker Dormtories
Annex B (Chinese) - Advisory to employers on Safe Living Measures For Foreign Worker Dormitories
Annex B (Tamil) - Advisory to employers on Safe Living Measures For Foreign Worker Dormitories.pdf
Annex B (Bengali) - Advisory to employers on Safe Living Measures For Foreign Worker Dormitories.pdf
The fourth Budget contained additional and enhanced support measures to help workers, businesses and households cope with the economic fallout of COVID-19. In total, the Government has set aside $92.9 billion to help our people get through this unprecedented crisis.
The appended booklet and infographics from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) give businesses an overview of the various measures. You may wish to visit https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2020/fortitude-budget/fortitude-budget-statement to read DPM's speech in full and refer to the Budget Annexes for more details on the measures.
The Circuit Breaker measures will be gradually eased from 2 June 2020, and businesses will be allowed to resume activities in the phased banner.
List of businesses (accurate as of 19 May 2020) that may operate from 2 June 2020. You should also refer to https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/permittedlist/ for the latest updates.
Those who wish to report breaches or poor workplace practices can do so via SnapSAFE (www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/snapsafe) – an app that allows the reporting of workplace safety and health issues to MOM.
Should community transmission rise, MTI will re-evaluate the timeline and the businesses that can resume operations from 2 June 2020.
ESG will be updating the business advisory (www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19) with the latest updates shortly.
The Joint Task Force (JTF) is working with dormitory operators to progressively create Blocks for Recovered Workers (BRWs). In order to do so, it is necessary to relocate residents to other parts of the dormitory so that the space vacated can be disinfected and serve as BRWs. It may also be necessary to place workers from different employers into the same room or level.
This is part of an overall plan to enable the dormitory population to be housed in blocks free from COVID-19 infection, and to be eventually able to resume work safely.
Your workers may also be tested and then segregated, so that they can be isolated, and the uninfected eventually able to join other workers in the BRWs.
It is hence a requirement under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (section 7(4A)) for you and your workers to cooperate with the dormitory operators to effect the relocation as necessary.
Encourage your workers to monitor their health closely
To contain further infections, it is important for your foreign workers to monitor their health and seek medical treatment if they are feeling unwell. Your worker should take his/her temperature twice daily and they should seek medical help immediately if they have symptoms such as fever, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
Monitoring their mental well-being
During this period, your workers may feel anxious and stressed. You can look out for their mental well-being by checking in with your workers regularly. There are some signs of distress you can look out for:
Trouble sleeping
Change in eating patterns
Lack of motivation
Loss if interest in activities, even those they used to enjoy
Social withdrawal
Self-injury
If they are unable to cope, speaking to a trained counsellor can help them. You can encourage them to call HealthServe at +65 3138 4443 or Migrant Workers' Centre at +65 6536 2692 for counselling.
HealthServe also has resources on mental wellness online in workers' native languages, which you can share with your workers.
https://covid19.healthserve.org.sg/en/wellness/
Stay connected
In addition, you can also encourage your workers to download MyMA, FWapp, or Swipetask ONE mobile apps to receive daily information from MOM.
Please visit the following links to download posters for SafeEntry (English/Mandarin) which can be put up your premises (if/when open).
English: https://www.gov.sg/-/media/gov/safeentry/pdf/en_infographic_safeentry.pdf
Chinese: https://www.gov.sg/-/media/gov/safeentry/pdf/cn_infographic_safeentry.pdf
Also, please note that the following ESG websites has been updated as well:
COVID-19 updates for businesses: www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19
Safe management measures for F&B establishments: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19/safe-distance#FBE
Safe management measures for retail establishments: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19/safe-distance#RE
Updated advisory - Safe Management Measures for Food & Beverage Establishments
Updated advisory - Safe Management Measures for Retail Establishments
We are pleased to share that SFA provides RSS feeds, which allows you to read the latest updates from SFA as soon as they are published. You can access the SFA RSS feeds at www.sfa.gov.sg/newsroom/subscribe-to-sfa-rss-feeds
MTI are stepping efforts to inspect workplaces for safe distancing measures as business operations resume.
MTI statement on Guidelines for Gradual Resumption of Business Operations
MTI is actively taking actions, including fines and stop-work orders against non-compliant workplace. Companies can also be charged in court. Under COVID-19 (Temporary Measure) Act passed in Parliament on 7 April 2020, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to six months or both. Subsequent offences may face a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment of up to twelve months or both.
SFMA urges members to ensure that the workplace safety continues to take precedence in order to mitigate the risk of local transmission of COVID-19.
The Government will be easing some of the tighter circuit breaker measures progressively over the coming weeks. At the same time, they are preparing for the safe and gradual resuming of economic and community activities after the end of the circuit breaker period on 1 June 2020.
Gradual Reopening of Work Premises and Economy
The Government plans to phase the reopening of work premises, taking into account their importance to the economy and supply chains, their contribution to local employment, and their ability to minimise risks of transmission at their workplaces.
All companies must put in place safe management practices as an integral part of their operations. This means proactively identifying situations and practices which have higher infection risks, and implementing appropriate precautions and safeguards.
Gradual Resumption of Selected Activities and Services
From 5 May 2020, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) establishments with MOH-registered in-house TCM practitioner(s) can resume selling retail products.
From 12 May 2020, the following will be allowed to resume operations:
Manufacturing and onsite preparation of all food, including cakes and confectionery, ice cream, cocoa, chocolate and chocolate products, and other snacks;
Retail outlets of food, including cakes and confectionery, packaged snacks and desserts, may be open for takeaway and delivery only (Specialised stores and outlets that predominantly sell beverages remain closed);
Home-based food businesses may operate, but only for delivery or collection. Home-based private dining will not be allowed;
Retail laundry services;
Barbers and hairdressers, for basic haircut services; and
Retail of pet supplies.
Retail establishments and food & beverage establishments should also take note of the latest safe distancing measures, which have been updated as of 2 May 2020. Advisories are also attached in PDF.
The list of activities that will be allowed to operate, and relevant information, will be updated at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/essentialservices.
From 12 May 2020, all businesses and services that are in operation must come on board the SafeEntry system to log the check-in and check-out of employees and visitors. Contact data collected by SafeEntry is only used by authorised personnel for contact tracing purposes, and stringent measures are in place to safeguard the data in accordance with the Government's data security standards.
Extension of Circuit Breaker period
As announced by PM Lee, the circuit breaker period will be extended by another 4 weeks until 1 June 2020 (inclusive).
Businesses which had earlier received approvals by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to operate during the original Circuit Breaker period from 7 April 2020 to 4 May 2020 can continue doing so until 1 June 2020.
Tightened list of essential services and measures for workplaces that remain open
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has also announced that fewer businesses will be permitted to operate during the Circuit Breaker. This will further reduce the number of workers who have to physically go to work, so that we can minimise the movement and interaction of people, and curb the spread of COVID-19.
Additional safeguards against community transmission
For workplace premises which remain open, employers must put in place effective measures to avoid transmission of COVID-19 at and across workplace premises:
Not allowing teams working in different locations to interact physically with one another;
Implementing safe distancing measures at every workplace premise;
Ensuring workers wear masks at the workplaces;
Ensuring workers log their entry into and exit from their workplaces using SafeEntry
Businesses must ensure that their foreign workers have appropriate housing options to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19. With effect from 21 April 2020, 2359hrs, daily movement of workers in and out of all dormitories will no longer be allowed. Workers living in the dormitories who had earlier been allowed to commute to work will no longer be allowed to do so.
Queries on the Latest Measures
For all enquiries on the latest measures, you may wish to contact ESG at safedistancing@enterprisesg.gov.sg or call 6898 1800. The phone lines will be open from 8.00am to 9.00pm on 22 April 2020, and 8.30am to 5.30pm daily thereafter.
Updates will be posted at www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19.
To support organisations during this challenging period, Enterprise Singapore, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) are providing free viewing access to some 40 International and Singapore Standards. These standards will help organisations develop business continuity management systems, facilitate production of key medical equipment, promote hygiene in public places and support delivery of products (including medicine). This access is provided during the COVID-19 period.
You may access the free standards at www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/Covid19
If you have any queries or feedback please contact Enterprise Singapore via Steven Phua (steven_phua@enterprisesg.gov.sg) and Timothy Fong (timothy_fong@enterprisesg.gov.sg)
With regard to the latest news on people breaching circuit breaker measures, SFMA would like to once again remind all employers in the food Industry to watch their workers closely during this period and to ensure that they do not loiter around in public places after work. This is also to safeguard the health and safety of all our workers too. Workers are also advised to put on face masks while commuting to-and-fro work or heading out to purchase essentials.
This is indeed a crucial one month, in which the whole of Singapore is paying close attention to and is also a situation that all of us should take seriously.
Let's work together during this circuit breaker period to break the Covid chain!
Quoting the Ministry of Manpower in the article, "Ignorance of the requirements is not an excuse and MOM will not hesitate to enforce against errant individuals,". This is to highlight the seriousness of breaching the new covid-related measures.
News Article on "Work pass revoked after man breaches circuit breaker measures": https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/work-pass-revoked-after-man-breaches-circuit-breaker-measures
A check-in with all into our Circuit breaker Day 3. We would like to stress that it takes a concerted effort from each and every one of us to do the right thing during this period to break the Covid chain. While many of us have tried to re-organise our factories and offices to ensure that we have manpower segregation, we have seen reports of those who chose to flout these measures, such as not maintaining proper social distancing and still hanging out in public places.
Echoing what Minister Masagos's has shared on his Facebook post, we would like to remind all of our members on the importance of adhering to the circuit breaker measures as well as encourage all food companies to also share the information with their employees to ensure that we can all be socially responsible workers for the Nation!
To ease labour costs, MOM is giving the following support to business employers:
Waive the March 2020 Foreign Worker Levy due in April 2020
You will not receive a hardcopy levy bill for March 2020 levy. If you wish to see your past transactions for earlier months, you may use Check & Pay Levy.
A one-off Foreign Worker Levy rebate of $750 per Work Permit or S Pass holder, based on previous levies paid in 2020
If you wish to receive the Foreign Worker Levy rebate on 21 April 2020, your firm must have a PayNow Corporate account with a PayNow participating bank1. If you do not have PayNow Corporate, please apply to any of the participating banks. Your bank must approve your PayNow Corporate account by 20 Apr 2020. Otherwise, MOM is unable to send the rebate to your firm via PayNow Corporate, and your firm will receive a cheque from 15 May 2020 instead.
You do not need to apply for levy rebates. MOM will notify eligible employers via email of the levy rebate amount after payment is made.
We urge all employers to treat your foreign employees fairly and responsibly, taking into consideration the levy waiver and rebate provided by the Government, by providing salary support, including payment for the upkeep and well-being of their more vulnerable foreign employees, during this Circuit Breaker.
Please refer to the FAQ and advisory for more details, including essential info on signing up for PayNow Corporate to receive the levy rebate.
Click here for Budget Measures for Food Manufacturers
The document contain various schemes announced in the three budget packages and the information has been sieved to be made relevant to our Food Manufacturing sector. It includes information on grants, waivers, rebates and support that Food Manufacturers can potentially tap on in light of the trying COVID-19 situation. Do note that this is not a comprehensive list of measures available as some may still be applicable to certain companies.
The 3rd budget package, Our Solidarity Budget, was announced by DPM Heng Swee Kiat yesterday. The Solidarity Budget announced is worth $5.1 Billion and this is on top of the previous $55 billion COVID-related measures under the Unity and Resilience Budgets. In this budget package, there are enhanced schemes aiming to help more businesses as well as individuals tide through this critical period.
If you have any problems accessing the information for any of the budget packages announced, do not hesitate to contact SFMA to assist you in addressing your needs. Likewise, you may wish to visit Enterprise Singapore's (ESG) Supplementary Budget microsite - https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/supplementary-budget-2020, which is progressively updated.
Full details of the Solidarity Budget: https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2020/solidarity-budget/solidarity-budget-measures/solidarity-budget-booklet-eng
EXPORT CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has been issuing export certificates from the Customer Service Centre (CSC) located at Level 2, Environment Building, 40, Scotts Road, Singapore 228231 since 1 April 2019.
In view of the current COVID-19 situation, the export certificates will be couriered to the companies directly, with effect from 7 April 2020. Please do not visit the SFA Customer Service Centre for collection of export certificates from 7 April 2020.
For companies which are applying for watermark export certificates (such as Free Sale Certificate (Food) and Food Export Certificates) and have installed a watermark printer at your office, please continue to self-print the document in your company. Companies which have yet to install a watermark printer for self-printing of the export certificates are reminded to do so by 30 April 2020 as SFA will cease printing for all watermark export certificates by 1 May 2020.
Should you need further assistance, please contact the following SFA officers:
Further to PM's announcement and the media conference, all food-related services are considered essential services and can continue operations after 7 April.
Click here for FAQs and materials.
Companies can also contact the hotline at 6898 1800 from 03 April 2020, 8PM onwards.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has produced a new video to share with workers on how they can do their parts to minimise the spread of COVID-19. This video will be useful for the workers to understand how COVID-19 can be spread, the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene and practising safe distancing.
The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/altx8PwPahY.
There are more materials on COVID-19 and they can be found at https://mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/publications-and-resources.
Following the Multi-Ministry Taskforce's announcement of tighter measures at the national level to minimise further spread of COVID-19, FWs are strongly advised to remain in their residence on their rest day during this period.
Safe Distancing Poster For Foregin Workers:
Collective social responsibility is critical in slowing the transmission of COVID-19. We urge employers and workers to work together with us in overcoming COVID-19.
Latest MCI Poster on practising safe distancing at workplaces.
ESG advisory to businesses in accordance with updates from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM): www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19
All Singapore residents and long-term pass holders with recent travel history to mainland China (outside of Hubei) within the last 14 days will now be issued a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon their return to Singapore.
Under the SHN, affected individuals will have to remain in their place of residence at all times during the 14-day period. For more details and conditions imposed for the SHN, please refer to this link.
MOM will also provide support to those affected by LOA or SHN requirements due to COVID-19. More details can be found in this link.
If someone at your workplace is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, please refer to this advisory by the MOM on measures to be taken.
Please thoroughly clean and disinfect that section of the workplace premises. You may refer to the guidelines by the National Environment Agency (NEA) for more details.
Measures were introduced at Budget 2020 to help companies and workers weather near-term uncertainties. These include:
The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Monday, Feb 17, announced a new Stay-Home Notice (SHN) for Singapore residents and long-term pass holders returning to Singapore from mainland China. As part of the notice requirements, such travellers will have to remain in their homes at all times during the 14-day leave period.
For employers with difficulties in housing workers in alternative locations, please find MOM list of dormitory operators.
Website: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/housing/foreign-worker-dormitories#/
Eligible employers can also apply for $100 daily per affected worker for the required duration of paid LOA / SHN granted to the employee under the Leave of Absence Support Programme (LOASP)
Website: https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2020/0212-leave-of-absence-support-programme
English Version - Guide on Business Continuity Planning for COVID-19
Chinese Version - Guide on Business Continuity Planning for COVID-19
Both English and Chinese versions are available on the Covid-19 website: www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19
Advisory for Businesses on Large-Scale Events
MTI has issued an advisory on large-scale events advising businesses to maintain normalcy, as long as the necessary precautions are taken. More details can be found in the advisory here.
SG Clean
This initiative aims to rally businesses to uphold good sanitation and hygiene practices. You can find information on the "SG Clean" initiative here.
Revised URL Links
To reflect the revised naming convention, the URL for ESG's COVID-19 webpage is now: www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19.