Singapore Eases Covid-19 Restrictions
As of 26 September 2020, Singapore’s Covid-19 cases stood at 57,665. There were 29 cases remaining in hospital, none of whom in critical condition. 268 asymptomatic cases or those with mild symptoms were cared for at community facilities. There had been no new community cases nor new clusters in the past few days. As a result, Singapore government announced on 23 September 2020 relaxed Covid-19 restrictions. With guidance from your economics tutor Singapore in economics tuition Singapore, discuss the purpose of relaxing these restrictions.
More Workers Allowed At Workplaces
From 28 September 2020, the government will allow more workers to return to their workplaces. However, working from home remains the default mode of working. The overall percentage of staff (those who are able to work from home) working in the office must not exceed 50 per cent. Staff who are able to work from home must continue to do so for at least half of their work time. You may discuss with your economics tutor Singapore in your economics tuition Singapore class its impact on productivity.
With more workers returning to workplace, employers are advised to stagger their staff’s reporting times, so as to minimize travelling during peak hours. Employers are also advised to embrace flexible work arrangements to address the same purpose. Workplace events and activities like meetings may be allowed to resume too. Details will be announced later. However, employers must continue to practise workplace safe distancing measures. Any non-compliance may result in penalties, suspension of workplaces or withdrawal of government payouts such as Jobs Support Scheme and Jobs Credit Scheme. To know more about Jobs Support Scheme and Jobs Credit Scheme, you may sign up for economics tuition Singapore with a reputable economics tutor Singapore.
Other Changes
The legal cut-off age to wear masks will be raised to six years old from two years old effective 28 September 2020. However, some pre-school operators and parents prefer to stick to the current practice for extra protection for children. Mr Edmund Quek is the best economics tutor Singapore. His economics tuition Singapore centre is conveniently located within five minutes’ walk from the Bishan MRT Station.
The relaxed rules on cinemas are welcomed by both cinema operators and their customers. From 1 October 2020, large cinema halls with over 300 seats can have up to 150 patrons. The condition is to separate the hall into 3 zones with a maximum of 50 patrons in each zone. In consultation with your economics tutor Singapore in economics tuition Singapore, discuss its implications on cinema operators.
Restrictions on worship services will also be relaxed from 3 October 2020. A maximum of 100 attendees will be allowed at worship services, up from the current 50. Same applies to wedding receptions. The government will explore possibility of allowing up to 250 attendees divided into five zones of 50 each. Many expect the government to announce for the phase 3 safe re-opening in a few weeks’ time. In discussion with your economics tutor Singapore in your economics tuition Singapore class, explain the pros and cons of a gradual re-opening.
Earlier this month, the government also announced that pilot MICE events would be allowed from 1 October 2020. Event organisers are required to submit their applications to the Singapore Tourism Board. Applications are subject to approval and once approved, event organisers are required to divide the event space into five zones with a maximum of 50 attendees in each zone.
Vincent Chew
Economics Tuition Singapore @ Economics Cafe
Principal Economics Tutor: Mr. Edmund Quek