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Update To Employer’s WFH Guideline When Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19

2021-09-21 , 9:51 am

Because the COVID-19 pandemic is something we’ve never really experienced before in our lifetime, the authorities kind of have to make it up as they go along.

Some of the measures they introduce may prove to be set in stone, while others less so.

Not too long ago, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced new workplace measures that employers need to follow in the event that an employee contracts the coronavirus.

However, just like how we used to be able to buy a plane ticket whenever we wanted, things have changed.

Update To Employer’s WFH Guideline When Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19

Yesterday, MOM revised the measures, explaining that it aimed to “mitigate potential disruptions to businesses”.

The first change is how many positive cases will trigger a snap work-from-home regime:

Previously: Only one positive case

Current: Three or more cases working at the same premises or branch within seven consecutive days, as this “may be indicative of workplace transmission”

The second change concerns the length of the telecommuting period:

Previously: 14 days

Current: 10 days

This is in line with the new 10-day quarantine period previously announced by the Ministry of Health for close contacts of confirmed cases.

Those who have been affected by the snap work-from-home regime will be able to return to the office for ad-hoc reasons if they test negative for COVID-19 on an Antigen Rapid Test (ART).

However, the test must be conducted within 24 hours of their return and completed before they return.

Affected employees should monitor their health while working from home and administer ART self-swabs at least twice a week during the 10-day quarantine period before they return as well.

The update takes effect on 22 Sep 2021.

Other Measures

What hasn’t changed, is that social gatherings and interactions at workplaces are still banned.

Reader: I’m actually hoping that ban is never lifted

Also, if a positive case is discovered, employers should cordon off the section of the workplace where the confirmed case worked.

They should then conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the areas and assets that were exposed to the confirmed case.

While the affected section should be vacated immediately, there is no need to vacate the entire floor or building, unless others have had prolonged and close contact with the confirmed case.

Employers should also ensure that no more than 50% of employees who are able to work from home are at the workplace at one time.

And, as always, a safe distance of 1 metre should be observed.

Update To Employer’s WFH Guideline When Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19

Update To Employer’s WFH Guideline When Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19

Other Measures

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