Singapore: After announcing on Wednesday (October 20) that Singapore will extend its COVID-19 restrictions for nearly a month, it will roll out a S$640 million support plan for affected businesses and workers.
The stabilization phase began on September 27 to help reduce the pressure on the healthcare system, and it is planned to last until October 24.
It has now been extended to November 21 and the measures will be reviewed within two weeks. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said at a media conference that they may make adjustments based on the situation at the time.
In the stable phase, social gatherings and meals are restricted to groups of two, while working from home is the default arrangement.
In view of the extended restrictions, the government will continue to implement the employment support program until November 21, providing 25% wage support for industries severely affected by the tightening measures.
These include catering, retail, cinemas, museums and art galleries, family entertainment, tourism, gyms and fitness studios, as well as performing arts and art education.
Eligible tenants of government-owned commercial properties will receive a two-week rent exemption.
According to the Rental Support Scheme (RSS), eligible tenants and tenants of self-occupied commercial properties will also receive 0.5 months of rent relief in cash.
Cooked food and market stall owners from centers managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or operators designated by NEA will receive a 0.5 month rent exemption.
Comment: Confidence in defeating COVID-19 reduces the need for continuing employment support programs
Support for drivers
Taxi and private car hire drivers will receive subsidies of S$10 and S$5 per car per day in November and December, respectively.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) stated in another media release that the extension of the COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund support will cost an additional S$16 million and is expected to benefit approximately 50,000 drivers.
The LTA stated: “This brings the total amount reserved by the government for the taxi and PHC (private car) industries to approximately S$520 million from February 2020,” adding that taxi operators have also pledged to continue to provide rent to drivers Exempt. The top priority of government assistance.
The Ministry of Health stated that the latest support package will be funded by higher-than-expected income collected so far and will not use past reserves.
