What post circuit breaker Phase 2 means for SMBs

With Singapore moving into post circuit breaker Phase 2 on June 19, more businesses will be allowed to resume operations. However, there are a few types of businesses that must still remain closed until further notice. Here are some points to take note.

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What post circuit breaker Phase 2 means for SMBs

Key takeaways

  • Phase 2 will see the reopening of specific small business, including retail, health services, education and food and beverage outlets.
  • For offices safe distancing will require at least one metre of space between each employee and groups of no more than five.
  • SafeEntry digital check in will be required for all employees, vendors, customers and other visitors.
  • In restaurants no more than five people are allowed at a table and they must be spaced at least one metre apart.
  • Where possible telecommuting should be the default working condition.

18 June 2020 | SMB, Digitalisation | 5 min read

Even as restrictions are lifted, companies will have to observe some safety precautions when they reopen.

Here is a list of all the businesses that can be resumed and the requirements for reopening.

Businesses that can resume operations

  • Retail shops, sports facilities, tuition and private enrichment classes (barring singing or voice training classes) can reopen their outlets from June 19 onwards.
  • Home-based services, personal health and wellness services (such as massages and spas) and healthcare services, including eldercare services in the community, are allowed to resume.
  • Food and beverage dine-in will be allowed, but with a restriction of five diners per table. Standalone drink stores, such as bubble tea stores, can also resume operations.

Businesses must implement additional safety measures and hygiene protocols to abide by the safe distancing rules before they are allowed to resume operating. For example, tuition centres should reduce class sizes and reschedule lessons.

However, entertainment venues such as bars, cinemas, nightclubs, theatres, and karaoke outlets will still remain closed. Large-scale events and venues like conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and fairs are not allowed.

Religious services and congregations, and large cultural venues like libraries and museums, will not be reopened in Phase 2.

Telecommuting will become the norm

Telecommuting should remain the default where possible. There are many digital solutions available, including some that qualify for government grant subsidies, that allow employees to collaborate and communicate easily.

These digital solutions are easy to implement and will probably become an integral part of your business operations after further restrictions are lifted.

Safe distancing

Businesses must still observe safe distancing at their workplace. Always ensure a physical distancing of at least one metre between people, even in the office.

If safe distancing is not feasible, the one metre requirement can be enforced between groups no larger than five people. There should not be mixing between groups of people.

It is still mandatory for everyone to wear a mask once outside of the house, including at workplaces.

SafeEntry

The SafeEntry digital check-in system for all employees, vendors, customers, and visitors should also remain implemented at workplaces and establishments.

Food and beverage outlets that only provide takeaway or delivery, with transient interaction with customers, do not need to implement SafeEntry.

Food and Beverage outlets

For restaurants and other eateries, each table will be limited to five people, and stores must ensure a spacing of at least one metre between tables. All common play areas for children should remain closed.

Live music, radio broadcasts, and television and video screenings are not allowed in all food and beverage outlets. Other forms of public entertainment, such as dancing or darts, are also prohibited.

While alcohol can be consumed in restaurants, the sale and consumption of liquor must cease at 10.30pm.

Self-service buffet lines are not allowed.

Other safe management practices

Current safe management measures will still be applied in workplaces. There should be no social gatherings at work, including team lunches.

Workplaces must ensure health checks and protocols are in place to screen employees. Companies should elect a safe distancing ambassador to ensure that the proper safety criteria are met. Employers are required to demonstrate that these regular checks are in place during inspections by the Ministry of Manpower

Places with high traffic like malls will be required to restrict capacity. The management will have to ensure that no long queues are built up, and that no crowds congregate.

Companies and individuals should stay vigilant even as restrictions are lifted.

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