COVID-19: 29 work-pass holders banned permanently for safe distancing breaches
SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has permanently banned 29 work-pass holders from working in Singapore again, after they were caught breaching circuit breaker measures or leaving their residences while on Stay-Home Notices (SHNs).
In a media release on Friday (8 May), MOM said it has also suspended the work pass privileges of nine employers for failing to ensure that their employees comply with the SHN requirements.
Of the 29 work passes revoked, 17 were caught breaching circuit breaker measures after they were found eating, drinking and gathering in groups. The other 12 were caught leaving their residences while on SHNs.
The breaches were caught after the ministry conducted over 75,000 video calls and inspections on foreign workers between 13 and 30 April, to ensure that they abide by the circuit breaker measures and SHN requirements.
Fines for workplaces breaching safe distancing measures
MOM also conducted over 15,000 inspections at workplaces from 7 April to 5 May, and issued composition fines totalling $29,000 to 29 workplaces for breaching safe distancing measures.
The breaches included failure to ensure safe distancing and crowd management, conduct of temperature screening, and proper tracking of employees and visitors’ entry into the workplace.
Another 170 non-essential firms were caught operating without approval during the circuit breaker period. Of these firms, 16 were fined a total of $16,000 while the others were issued with stern warnings.
Advisory to prepare for resumption of operation
Meanwhile, the tripartite partners – comprising MOM, the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation – will be issuing an advisory to prepare companies to resume operation after post-circuit breaker period.
The advisory will cover the following areas:
implementing a system of safe management measures at workplaces;
reducing physical interaction and ensuring safe distancing at workplaces;
supporting contact tracing requirements;
requiring personal protective equipment and observing good personal hygiene;
ensuring cleanliness of workplace premises;
implementing health checks and protocols to manage potential cases.
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