The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced updates on safe measures for social gatherings as well as Covid-19 workplace safety guidelines.
The authority stated that people will need to limit themselves to just one social gathering per day. Meanwhile, similar workplace interactions will not be allowed at all.
MOH released these new safe management measures in a press release on Monday (6 September). This is part of their efforts to reduce further community transmission.
Only One Social Gathering A Day Will Be Allowed
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With the recent rise of Covid-19 community cases in Singapore, MOH strongly encouraged all individuals to reduce “non-essential social activities” for the next two weeks.
Owing to vulnerability to the virus, MoH has also specially issued an advisory the elderly and people staying with the elderly.
“We should continue to limit our social circle to a small group of regular contacts and limit ourselves to one social gathering a day, whether to another household or in a public place,” stated MOH.
Covid-19 Workplace Safety Guidelines: No Social Gatherings And Interactions Allowed
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Regarding Covid-19 workplace guidelines, the ministry has also found that recent clusters in these settings are due to “lax safe management measures.” This is especially in areas such as staff canteens and pantries.
Workplace areas like these where people tend to let their guard down and interact amongst themselves without their masks on can put individuals at risk of transmission.
Because of this, social gatherings and social interactions at workplaces will not be allowed from 8 September 2021.
MOH added that they will take “tougher action” if there are positive cases amongst infected workers.
Employers will also be required to put in place a maximum Work-From-Home (WFH) requirement over a 14-day period. This is if one or more of their workers have been found to have been infected and have returned to the workplace.
“This means that everyone in the company who can WFH will be required to do so. Those who are working from home should minimise social gatherings and leave their homes only for essential activities during this 14-day period,” says the ministry.
Self-Testing Is Highly Encouraged To Lower Risk Of Transmission
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As Singapore works towards becoming a more Covid-resilient country, MOH says they will be monitoring the local situation closely for the next two weeks.
To lower the risk of transmission, the ministry has asked everyone to self-test as much as possible and observe all safe management measures.
MOH added, “Everyone can play their role by minimising their movement and social interactions so that we can reduce footfall at common spaces at or near the workplace and in public venues, especially when there are sharp increases in transmissions.”
Those who feel unwell are highly advised to see a doctor and get tested. They should also self-isolate and not report to work as well as participate in other social activities until recovered.
“We will continue to work together with Singaporeans to emerge stronger and safer in our journey towards a COVID-19 resilient nation,” said the ministry.
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