Companies with COVID cases have one day to start 14-day WFH: MOM

SINGAPORE — Employers have one day to implement a snap 14-day work-from-home (WFH) regime for all employees, if any of them test positive for COVID-19 and were at the workplace on any of the past seven days.

In an update to its workplace safe management measures requirements, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Tuesday (8 September) that the regime must start "no later than one day after the positive test result". It will apply to those who are able to work from home.

Employees who are told to work from home are also encouraged to self-swab every two to three days during the 14-day period.

The immediate sections of the workplace premises where the COVID-positive employees worked should be immediately vacated and cordoned off, added MOM. In accordance with guidelines from the National Environment Agency, all relevant on-site areas and assets that were exposed to the confirmed cases should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

For worksites with confirmed cases, businesses can be suspended if there are public health grounds.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that during the maximum 14-day work-from-home period, everyone in the company who can work from home 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 period, said the ministry.

MOH also disallowed workplace social gatherings, as well as social interactions, from Wednesday.

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