COVID-19

Wuhan Map - Google
Image by Google maps

BRIEF BACKGROUND
Originating from China’s city of Wuhan at the end of 2019, this strain of Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic.

COVID-19 is caused by a strain of coronavirus [previously named 2019-nCoV (Novel Coronavirus)]

Symptoms
-Fever
-Shortness of breath / breathing difficulties
-Cough
-Sore throat

What can I do to protect myself?
-Avoid crowded places
-Observe good personal hygiene such as:
  a. wash your hands with soap and water frequently (especially after visiting the washroom, before/after having your   
     meals etc.)
  b. Trimming your nails
  c.  Showering regularly

-Avoid close contact with people who appear to be showing illness
-Thoroughly cook meats – do not consume raw and undercooked meats.
-Be socially responsible:
  a. Do not share food when you are not feeling well
  b. 
Wear a mask if you have a runny nose or cough
  c. If you are unwell, rest at home – do not further spread your illness to your friends or loved ones
  d. When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth (with a tissue paper)

-Let your employer know if you are not feeling well so they can bring you to a doctor.

Should I wear a mask?
As per the guidelines by the Ministry of Health (MOH), if you are suffering from any respiratory symptoms (such as cough or runny nose) or feeling unwell, you should wear a mask 

For the majority of the people not displaying any symptoms, there is no requirement to wear a mask.

To find out more, click here


For a live map on the worldwide infection status the virus, click here. You may also click on the button on the right to access the page.

Wuhan Coronavirus Infection Map
Image Source: http://coronaviruslivemap.com/ (05 Feburary 2020)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

An advisory released by the Ministry of Manpower on 11 April 2020  directs that all foreign domestic workers (FDWs) must stay home on their rest days, and only go out to buy meals or run essential errands and to return home immediately after.

General guidelines/rules pertaining to the Circuit Breaker applies e.g. wearing masks when making essential trips. 

See here for detailed information

Also linked to: 
-It is DORSCON ORANGE, can I ask my maid not to go for her off day?

Usually a cough and runny nose are quite common illness.

However, with the recent cases of the COVID-19, it may be better to take such symptoms more seriously and seek medical attention as soon as possible – the doctor will be able to advise you accordingly.

Likewise, the same advice applies if anyone in the family is showing the symptoms. 

Linked to:
-My maid is having a fever, what should I do?
-My FDW is having a flu, what should I do?

There is certainly a risk factor, since air-travel is involved and also contact with other people.

As such, the ministry has imposed a requirement of a compulsory 14-day stay- home notice (SHN) at a dedicated facility for FDWs who are arriving from overseas.

 

For more information, please click here.

Yes, it is still possible. However, in light of the current COVID-19 situation, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has strongly urged employers to defer bringing FDWs from overseas into Singapore.

In addition to safeguarding the safety of your family and the public, an additional MOM’s entry approval is required for FDWs from overseas to enter Singapore. On arrival, the FDW must serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice before she can start work.

Do take note that priority will be given to employers who are eligible for levy concession.

For more information, do feel free to contact us.