To qualify for the handout, businesses must show a 40% drop in revenue over seven consecutive days during the six weeks prior to February 15.
The health ministry noted that the current infectious rate of COVID-19 in the country is higher, and most likely caused by the Omicron variant.
As Omicron cases increase, the country’s biggest businesses and government departments have been encouraged to let their staff work from home.
Government support ensured the unemployment rate hit 3.5% instead of 7.5% in 2021, said the country's finance ministry.
A US$100 million special emergency loan scheme will help SMEs and the agriculture and agro-industry sectors get through the pandemic.
S$8.6 billion in loans was provided to 12,600 companies in 2021, compared to S$18 billion to 21,000 companies in 2020.
The unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in December from 4.3% in the previous month, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported.
In recent weeks, the number of furloughed workers in Taiwan has hovered around 10,000, which indicates a stable trend, said an official.
Heads of departments are also called on to ensure that employees wear face masks at all times, and abide by the appropriate social distancing measures.
Workers will not be required to present memos from general practitioners (GPs) to prove that they have recovered from COVID-19 infections.
Prior to this, the authorities had said that those who were unemployed could get help from existing social welfare schemes.
Businesses should have procedures for staff to work longer hours to cover the work of their colleagues as Omicron cases rise, said a tripartite advisory.
As of January 21, a total of 5.26 trillion yen (US$45.5 billion) had been distributed in employment subsidies.
Many public employees are expected to work remotely as some government departments may temporarily cut back on some services.
The number of discouraged workers in South Korea spiked to an all-time high in 2021 amid a weak labour market due to the prolonged pandemic.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson cautioned firms to ensure business continuity plans are in place and vowed government support.
Amid a spike in Omicron transmission, the WFH policy needs to be implemented with more flexibility, says the Labour Institute Indonesia.
Businesses, especially those providing essential services, should ensure robust business continuity plans like split-team arrangements.
Sen. Leila De Lima has called on Congress to pass a law that mandates paid leave of five days for workers who contract COVID-19.
Clarity is being sought on the definitions of a contact, and the triggers for isolation once the Omicron strain starts spreading in the community.
The unions are asking employers to shoulder the cost of rapid tests until they are ideally provided free for everyone by the government.
An extra budget of 14 trillion won (US$11.7 billion) is being planned to support small merchants and the self-employed hard-hit by the pandemic.
Employers are encouraged to grant paid leave for workers who have contracted COVID-19 and need to be quarantined.
With 2022 likely to be the year of hybrid work, organisations need to develop and introduce effective hybrid work strategies and policies.
Some 200,000 formal sector workers affected by pandemic-led restrictions in Metro Manila and other regions are set to receive P5,000 in cash aid.
Under more relaxed measures, only workers from some industries are allowed to return straight to work after recording a negative rapid antigen test.
The goal of teleworking is to maintain the same level of socio-economic activities in a time when rapid spread of COVID-19 is expected.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said that the government is preparing another round of subsidies for businesses impacted by the Omicron outbreaks.
A public outreach programme provides a more controlled and easier way for workers to receive their booster shots.
These include what to do when staff test positive, how to perform risk assessment and inspections, and procedures for monitoring and evaluation.
