COVID-19: Singapore Government introduces new workplace measures

The Infectious Diseases (Workplace Measures To Prevent Spread of COVID-19) Regulations 2020 (Workplace Regulations) came into force on 2 April 2020. The Workplace Regulations gives legal effect to the Ministry of Manpower’s Advisor on safe distancing at the workplace, and failure to comply with the requirements stated therein is an offence which is punishable by a fine of up to SGD 10,000 and/or a term of imprisonment of up to six months.

The main obligations imposed on employers for the period from 2 April 2020 to 30 April 2020 (both dates inclusive) include the following:

• Employers must direct their employees to work from home and provide employees with the necessary facilities to do so unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so.
• Where it is not reasonably practicable for employees to allow all their employees to telecommute, employers should put in place measures such as staggered work hours and split team arrangements, and ensure that employees report any onset of symptoms immediately.
• Employers should ensure that there is at least one metre between each employee in the workplace.
• Employers must cancel all activities which involve close and prolonged contact amongst participants.
• Employers must not require or permit an employee who is subject to a movement control measure, such as Stay-Home Notice, to enter the workplace.

The Workplace Regulations also make it an offence for employees or individuals who exhibit any symptoms to enter a workplace.

See our Coronavirus (COVID-19) feature for more information generally on the possible legal implications of COVID-19.