Companies in Singapore to adopt WFH as default arrangement

As Singapore transitions to Phase 3 (Heightened Alert), working from home is to remain the default arrangement for employees who can do so, announced the government. 

“We think that’s still necessary in order to minimise movement and to minimise risk,” said Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force at a press conference on Thursday.

The government advises businesses to stagger the start times of employees and implement flexible working hours, and advises against the cross-deployment of workers to multiple worksites. 

The government will also be extending the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) for select sectors that are required to remain closed until June 20, said Wong, who is also Finance Minister. 

These businesses will receive 10% of JSS support from June 21 to 30. 

Taxi and private-hire drivers will also be able to tap into the COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund for another three months, at S$300 (US$226) per month per vehicle for July and August, and S$150 (US$113) for September. 

Workers who work in high-risk settings will have to undergo regular COVID-19 testing, regardless of their vaccination status. 

READ: Singapore companies advised to test staff regularly for COVID-19

This includes employees of personal care and appearance services and dine-in F&B outlets that require the removal of masks, like facials, saunas and make-up services, and gym and fitness studios.

From June 14, the limit on group sizes for social gatherings will be increased from two to five, while a maximum of 250 attendees will be allowed for MICE events, up from the current limit of 100.