[ad_1]
SINGAPORE: Singapore reported seven new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Sunday (October 18), bringing the national total to 57,911.
Of the new infections, one is in the community and another is a one-bedroom resident, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) said in its daily preliminary update.
There were also five imported cases, all of which were placed on a stay-at-home notice upon arrival in Singapore.
More details will be announced later Sunday night, the Health Ministry said.
READ: ‘No longer groping in the dark’: NCID doctors share how COVID-19 is treated in Singapore
On Saturday, the tripartite notice on Managing Surplus Manpower and Responsible Downsizing was updated to provide further guidance on how employers should fire workers as more job cuts are expected amid the crisis of COVID-19.
The latest advisory asks companies to retain Singaporean workers, guidelines on how employers can break the news to their workers more sensitively, as well as make training programs part of the post-downsizing package.
Also added a checklist on how to properly perform staff reductions.
READ: Layoff Rules Updated As Singapore Workers Union Expects More Layoffs Amid COVID-19
Like many countries, Singapore’s economy has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The country entered a recession in the second quarter after nonessential businesses were shut down as part of measures to contain infections during a nearly two-month “breaker” period.
On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said that given the magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis, the government may not be able to save all businesses and jobs.
However, the government will continue to support all workers, Heng said, adding that both employers and job seekers must keep an open mind and be willing to adapt and adapt.
CHECK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
