Singapore tightens COVID-19 measures, WFH as default

From May 16 to June 13, the size of group gatherings allowed will be cut from five people to two as employees are told to WFH whenever possible,
By: | May 17, 2021
Topics: Employee Experience | Health and Wellness | Hybrid Working | Mobility | News | Singapore

As Singapore battles an increase in COVID-19 cases, the government has announced that working from home is to be the default option at workplaces.

“All employees who are able to work from home will have to do so,” said Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong on Friday. 

From May 16 to June 13, the size of group gatherings allowed will be cut from five people to two. 

“This will apply across the board, so if you want to go out for anything, grocery shopping, exercise — maximum of two persons henceforth,” he said. 

“We will do a review at the midway point, meaning two weeks after the measures have been implemented, and at that point we will look at the prevailing public health situation and see if there’s a need to adjust the measures further,” Wong added.

READ: Singapore cuts back number of staff allowed in the office

Due to concerns on COVID-19 spread within the community, the government has had to reverse its measures on the workplace. In March, it announced that up to 75% of staff were allowed to return to the workplace. This was later tightened to no more than half of the staff, before new restrictions were imposed on Friday.