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SINGAPORE – The multi-ministerial working group addressing Covid-19 announced on Wednesday (March 24) that further restrictions will be eased as Singapore moves forward with its vaccination program and continues to keep the pandemic under control.
As of April 5, up to 75 percent of a company’s staff can return to the workplace at any time, up from 50 percent today.
Working from home will no longer be the default option as workplaces move towards a more flexible and hybrid way of working.
More people will also be allowed to attend some events starting April 24 as part of a reduction in Covid-19 restrictions, if pre-event testing is done for these activities.
Specifically for wedding receptions, the limit will be increased from 100 to 250 attendees for the entire event, in zones of up to 50 attendees each.
The Straits Times addresses some of the frequently asked questions about the changes.
Q: With more people going to the office, can I have team outreach activities and have lunch with my colleagues at the workplace?
TO: All social and recreational gatherings, such as lunches and team-bonding activities on or off the workplace, must meet the eight-person limit. Work-related events should also not have meals as their main feature. Employers should avoid hosting events during meals.
Q: My employer wants to send me to work at more than one workplace. Is this allowed?
TO: No. Employees cannot work in more than one workplace, except in companies or industries where this is critical to operations. If cross-deployment cannot be avoided, additional precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of cross-infection.
Q: When more people return to work, buses and trains will be more crowded. Won’t this increase the risk of Covid-19 transmission?
TO: This is unlikely to happen if travelers continue to take precautionary measures, such as keeping their masks on and refraining from speaking on buses and trains. Companies are strongly encouraged to continue staggering start times and implement flexible working hours.
Q: What about restaurants during lunch? How will they be safe as more people fill up?
TO: Employers are encouraged to stagger the times for lunch and other breaks. In restaurants, workers must continue to follow safety measures, such as maintaining social distancing and keeping their masks on when they are not eating or drinking.
Q: My wedding will have 100 attendees. Do I still need to do pre-event tests?
TO: No. Pre-event tests will be required for all attendees only for receptions with more than 100 attendees, including the wedding couple. This is due to the fact that with more attendees, there is a greater risk, with people unmasked while eating and in close and prolonged contact with each other.
Q: Will I have to test for Covid-19 for a viewing or funeral after a death in the family, given that more people are now able to attend such events?
TO: Pre-event tests are not required for people attending wakes and funerals. But keep in mind that the increase in the number of people who can attend these events has risen from 30 to 50 just on the day of burial or cremation. The limit for the remaining days of the wake is kept at 30.
Q: If I want to attend a concert, play, or any other live event, will I have to get vaccinated first?
TO: No. Attendees who have taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to the event will not need to be tested. Live performances may have up to 750 attendees if they implement pre-event testing, or up to 250 attendees without testing.
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