COVID-19: Some sectors 'will have to wait' as Singapore looks to resume normal activities – Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE — As Singapore looks to ease its circuit breaker measures, some sectors “will have to wait for a bit more time” before being allowed to reopen, said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday (4 May).
“For example, entertainment outlets or activities that attract crowds of people in close contact with one another. I don't think we can restart these activities anytime soon,” he said while delivering his Ministerial Statement in Parliament.
Wong noted that priority would be given to industries that are “critical to the economy and to local employment, and that keep us connected to the world and global supply chains”.
He also said that it may take some time for dining to be allowed again in food and beverage outlets.
“I can understand many people are looking forward to doing that with their family members and friends but we will have to assess the risk and consider this very carefully, considering that this particular activity is a known vector for transmission,” he noted.
Similarly, religious gatherings and services may also take some time to resume.
“All our communities have experienced or will be experiencing their religious observances and holidays under very different circumstances, from Qing Ming and Easter in April and soon Vesak Day and Hari Raya in May,” said Wong.
“We know it's not been easy, and we really appreciate everyone's understanding of the adjustments that have to be made to keep ourselves and our families safe during this period,” he added.
Changing how we work
In his speech, Wong cited the construction sector as one of the major challenges to be tackled as Singapore looks to re-start its economic activities.
With some 270,000 migrant workers in this sector, he noted how some worksites could have workers from multiple dormitories.
“One single infected worker, mild or asymptomatic can spread the virus to their co-workers at the worksite. They in turn can bring the infection back to where they live, and also to places they gather with their friends. When that happens, large clusters will quickly form, as has happened,” said Wong.
As of noon on Monday, Singapore has confirmed 18,778 COVID-19 cases – the vast majority of whom have been migrant workers from various dormitories.
In looking to prevent another mass outbreak within the migrant worker community, Wong said the construction industry would have to “fundamentally change” how it operates.
“We will need a whole range of measures covering the worksites, the accommodation and transport of workers, as well as additional precautions (that) are taken by the workers themselves,” he said.
Similar changes are also in store for all sectors of the economy, with all firms needing to adjust their work culture and practices.
To this end, the Ministry of Trade and Industry along with the Ministry of Manpower have been engaging industry associations, business chambers and firms, to help them “adapt to these new realities”.
For instance, tele-commuting will have to be a “default option” for all staff, while strict safe management practices will have to be implemented for those who cannot tele-commute. Businesses will also have to implement split-team arrangements, staggered working and lunch break hours, and higher hygiene standards.
Within workplaces, there should also not be any gathering of staff in groups at any time – be it in the pantry or staff canteen, said Wong.
“All of these safeguards must be in place before we can begin to re-open more workplaces and allow more people to resume going to work,” he added.
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