Staff Wearing Mask Exempt From Social Distancing Rules
SINGAPORE – Starting from 25 February 2022, plans to implement a streamlined Safe Management Measures (SMMs), wherein some restrictions were slightly relaxed, according to a press release published by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday (16 February, SGT).
“As part of the streamlining of rules, workplace requirements will now be aligned with those for the community SMMs. For instance, workers who have their masks on will not need to maintain 1 metre safe distancing rule in the workplace,” announced the government agency.
“Social gatherings at workplaces will be allowed to resume with up to five persons for each social gathering. There will be no restrictions on cross-deployment of employees across workplaces, although employers may continue to do so for business continuity reasons,” added the Ministry.
However, mask-wearing will continue to be mandated by default, and only up to 50 percent of staff who can work from home (WFH) are permitted to return to their office.
Aside from that, from 4 March 2022, the government intends to remove specific event size caps for events like business gatherings, media conferences, religious services, funerary memorial events, wedding receptions, and mask-on classes. Zoning requirements will also be withdrawn, as the protection against COVID-19 is via masks and vaccinations.
“However, for large events and settings which pose more infection risks, we will impose capacity limits, as a precaution.” These include large work-related events, cruises, and attractions, as well as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
In particular, smaller settings/events with up to 1,000 participants can proceed without being subject to any capacity limit.
On the other hand, settings/events with over 1,000 participants and are mask-on will be subject to a capacity limit of 50 percent. For mask-off events, they will need to comply with the 1m safe distancing rule and prevailing group size of 5 persons.
