In a recent development amidst the pandemic situation, more than 30 companies have been ordered to stop work immediately after the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) found that they have not been following safe distancing measures.

In the past week, the ministry issued 34 companies with stop-work orders and 36 with remedial orders as the result of a four-day long operation, which saw its officers conducting checks on more than 100 companies.

The MOM on Friday (March 27) said that these companies were required to make "immediate rectifications" and urged other businesses to keep themselves updated on the latest advisories.

Raymond Koh, an MOM inspector, noted that it was also important to educate employers on best practices.

He said,"Where we can, we are sharing good practices that other companies have done to support employers in protecting their employees and loved ones, and the public at large. Beyond enforcement, it is important to help employers understand the gaps that must be rectified to limit the spread of Covid-19 at work premises."

Further, employers should also place their employees on work-from-home arrangements wherever possible, and take precautions such as making sure employees work staggered hours and sit apart if they have to go into the office. Under government orders, employers should defer or cancel all workplace events.  Though Covid-19 pandemic has been contained to a large extent in Singapore, yet it is imperative that employees follow the above actions strictly in order to avoid it from surging. In this context, the actions of the MOM are in line to prevent the epidemic from spreading further.