SINGAPORE, Sept 23 — From next today, workers who have been home-based during the Covid-19 pandemic may now return to offices for up to half of their total working time, with no more than half of a company’s employees at the workplace at any point in time.

Work-related events held within the workplace premises that are business-oriented will also be allowed to resume, for up to 50 people.

These changes were announced today during a press conference by the multi-ministry task force handling Singapore’s response to Covid-19.

A statement by the Ministry of Health (MOH) today further highlighted examples of the conditions under which employees can return to the workplace.

A full-timer on a six-day work week may return to the office for up to three days a week.

A firm with 10 full-time employees currently working from home can split the staff into two teams of five, with each cohort to return to the workplace every alternate week while the other continues to work from home.

"Returning to the workplace can either be initiated by the employee and agreed upon with the employer, or directed by the employer,” said MOH.

The ministry added that with more employees returning to the workplace, employers should play their part in minimising crowding and possible congregation at common spaces, including on public transport.

They can do so by: