The circuit breaker has been of great help for controlling the spread of the virus, and the situation has been stable for some time now. However, with phase 2 already starting and more companies and activities being allowed, can we really be sure that there won’t be another wave of the coronavirus? After all, the coronavirus vaccine is still going to take some time- if someone will be able to make it.
The answer is that we can’t be sure. However, all of us can play a part in helping the nation fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. If we do follow the guidelines that have been set, it won’t be such a difficult task to work even amidst the risk of the virus.
Safe Management Measures
The Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Manpower along with other tripartite organizations, issued Safe Management measures, i.e. guidelines for companies to follow if they want to operate in Phase 2 reopening in Singapore:
- Companies need to have a properly sorted out plan on how they wish to contain the virus. This plan should be in accordance with the other Safe Management measures.
- Every firm needs to appoint a Safe Management Officer (SMO) who will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the measures.
- Employees should be able to continue working from home. Virtual meetings should take place instead of physical contact.
- Work hours should be staggered.
- The firm should put extra attention to more vulnerable employees.
- Everyone in the office should be wearing masks. A physical distancing of at least 1 meter is always necessary .
The Safe Management SafeEntry System
For the contact tracing in Singapore, the government has made it mandatory for every office to install the SafeEntry system. It is a digital check-in and check-out system which keeps the track of people entering and leaving the building at a given time. To enter the premises, staff, and customers should scan in the system with their NRIC card or a QR code with their smartphone. This will help the government keep a note of people who may have been come in contact with each other, and act accordingly if someone catches the virus.