MSE: Number of Safe-Distancing Ambassadors to be Reduced & Employment Assistance to be Provide to Them

While some of us may have been elated to hear that the COVID-19 restrictions will be further relaxed from tomorrow (26 April) onwards, some of us may have been less enthusiastic about the news.

Especially if you’re a Safe Distancing Ambassador (SDA), because that might have meant that you were rendered jobless overnight.

However, there’s nothing to worry about (for now).

On 24 April, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) announced that the fall in the number of SDAs would enable SDAs to re-enter other sectors in the market, especially since the labour market is tightening.

This will also allow SDAs to contribute to Singapore’s economy, which is in the process of recovering.

As of now, government agencies have employed approximately 2,000 SDAs in total.

MSE also highlighted that it will be offering employment assistance to the SDAs if needed.

The New Normal & MSE’s Reaction

With the Ministry of Health’s announcement last Friday (22 April) regarding the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, there’s no doubt that most of us have been looking forward to the new “normal”.

Starting from tomorrow (26 April), there will be no limit to the maximum number of people allowed at social gatherings, and there will also be no need for safe distancing as well.

In addition to that, SafeEntry and TraceTogether will no longer be required at most places too.

In response to The Straits Times, MSE emphasised the importance of personal and social responsibility, especially in this situation where Singapore is trying to work towards living with COVID-19.

It also explained that safe management measures (SMMs) will still be in place for specific settings. These settings include nightlife establishments that allow patrons to dance, large events that have more than 500 participants, as well as food and beverage stores.

In this case, enforcement officers (EOs) will still be deployed to ensure that the SMMs are adhered to, and to carry out any necessary action against those who have breached the SMMs.

For individuals and premise owners who are found guilty of doing so, MSE also emphasised that they will face punishment, such as fines or even being prosecuted in court.

Join our Telegram channel for more entertaining and informative articles at https://t.me/goodyfeedsg or download the Goody Feed app here: https://goodyfeed.com/app/ 

MSE then urged individuals across the country to continue upholding personal responsibility by playing their part, which will help Singapore to be as safe as possible as we adapt to a new way of living.

It also acknowledged the roles that SDAs and EOs have played throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked them for their hard work as well.

Read Also:

Featured Image: Dr David Sing / Shutterstock.com