Two days ago, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic in view of the levels of spread and severity around the world. In response, the Singapore authorities have rolled out new measures to contain the import of COVID-19 cases as well as stem the spread in Singapore. You may refer to the advisory on 13 Mar 2020 here.
As we carry on our business operations in accordance to all guidelines issued by the authorities, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the following:
Split-team operations to be strictly observed
- Continue to observe your rotations to work at the office or from home under split-team operations strictly. This means that you are not allowed to work at alternate Income offices, and staff from different teams (Team 1 / Team 2) should not have any physical interaction during this time.
- We are aware that this may cause inconvenience and be disruptive to our usual way of working, but we ask for your cooperation to consider alternatives or workarounds for the time being.
- MOH has emphasised that social distancing is a critical factor in slowing the transmission of the virus. Where possible, please stagger your working spaces and maintain reasonable distance from one another while working at the office.
- Please continue to take your temperature and submit readings twice daily via this online form (temperature).
Defer all non-essential travel
- As more countries are on high alert due to the spread of COVID-19, we ask staff to please limit their overseas travel for now. In particular, staff are strongly discouraged from travelling to China (including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, France, Spain and Germany.
- Currently, those who are returning from Mainland China, South Korea, Iran and northern Italy will have to observe a Government-imposed stay-home notice (SHN) for 14 days. From 11:59pm on Sunday (15 Mar 2020), those who have been to Italy, France, Spain and Germany within the last 14 days will also be issued a SHN.
- Staff who are still travelling during this period must declared your travel plans via this online form (travel), and keep your managers informed of your travel plans, including any cancellation or postponement to your trips. Managers must alert HR if staff are travelling to any of the countries mentioned above.
- As these measures will evolve according to the global situation, staff who are going ahead with their travel plans should check the MOH website for the latest measures and comply accordingly.
14-day monitoring to further limit exposure and risk
- In addition to Government-issued SHNs and Quarantine Orders, Income will place the following staff on 14-day monitoring as a precautionary measure to further limit our exposure and risk:
- Staff who have just returned to Singapore for less than 14 days from China (including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, Iran, Italy, France, Spain and Germany; and
- Staff who have had close contact with anyone who has arrived in Singapore for less than 14 days from China (including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, Iran, Italy, France, Spain and Germany.
- Staff who fall into any of these groups must inform your manager immediately, and complete this online form (14 day monitoring).
Visitor restriction at Income premises
- Visitors to Income premises must continue to complete a health and travel declaration form. Visitors who have travelled to the following countries within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter Income premises: China (including Hong Kong and Macau), South Korea, Iran, Italy, France, Spain and Germany.
- Visitors who are unwell or exhibit respiratory symptoms will also be denied entry to Income’s premises.
As the situation remains uncertain and is expected to last for a while, we ask that you continue to stay vigilant and keep your guards up to protect yourself, your family and friends, and the people around you. Practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands often, avoid crowds where possible, and please seek medical attention as soon as possible if you feel unwell.
Thank you.
Chen Boon Khing
Head of BCM Workgroup