Companies Encouraged To Impose 14-Day Leave Of Absence For Singaporeans Who Travelled During March Holidays
Over the past week, students have been enjoying their well-deserved March holidays.
In spite of Covid-19, some working adults might have taken the opportunity to bring their children on an overseas trip.
On Friday (20 Mar), Singapore announced that companies are encouraged to impose a 14-day paid Leave-Of-Absence (LOA) for employees returning from overseas during this period.
Companies and those self-employed will be able to claim a $100 daily grant from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) should they follow the advisory.
14-day LOA for employees
In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, MOM is urging companies to impose a 14-day LOA for employees who travelled overseas between 14-20 Mar.
According to Channel NewsAsia, MOM said it would be a “useful precautionary measure for people who have travelled recently to stay away from the workplace to prevent further transmission”.
Companies can claim funds under LOA Support Programme
To cushion the blow to firms, companies can claim a $100 per day grant for each employee from the ministry.
Those self-employed are also eligible under this LOA Support Programme
This will hopefully encourage more companies to follow MOM guidelines, which might help curb the spread of Covid-19.
However, the amount is not claimable if the employee continues working from home during the 14 days or if their own paid leave are used.
Returning students and school staff also given LOA
The 14-day LOA is also applicable to students and school staff who travelled during the March holidays.
As students prepare for schools to reopen, the Ministry of Education is introducing more stringent measures to cope with the pandemic.
Apart from suspending CCA sessions, schools will also implement wipe-down routines and special seat arrangements.
The new regulations on school grounds will start Monday (23 Mar) and will last for the next 2 weeks.
Singaporeans encouraged to defer non-essential trips
Pulling all stops to prevent the importation of Covid-19 cases, Singapore is issuing a compulsory stay-home notice for all travellers entering our country from 11.59pm tonight.
Seeing the growing scale of the pandemic worldwide, perhaps it’s best for us to avoid travelling and stay in Singapore for the time being.
As the government put in place more of such policies to protect Singaporeans, do stay open-minded and cooperate with authorities.
Featured image adapted from Malay Mail.
