Singapore government: Advisory on holding events amid COVID-19

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has released an advisory for businesses, detailing precautions to take with any large-scale events planned, amid the COVID-19 situation.

This follows an advisory previously released by the Ministry of Health, which recommends event organisers to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events, in light of DORSCON Orange.

According to MTI, large-scale events are defined as events with more than 1,000 attendees; non-essential large-scale events refer to events such as company dinner & dance, and family day events with more than 1,000 attendees.

On the other hand, smaller-scale events, such as training and development courses, and internal town hall meetings, can continue.

For businesses who choose to proceed with their events, both ministries have advised on the following necessary precautions to take:

• Carry out regular temperature screening.
• Look out for respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose, and deny entry to unwell individuals.
• Remind participants not to attend the event if they are unwell, have been placed on leave of absence (LOA) or have recent travel history to mainland China in the last 14 days. This could be in the form of pre-event reminders, prominent notices at entrances to an event, and notices during pre- or onsite registration.
• Ensure event venues are ventilated and are adequately equipped with facilities for handwashing.
• Increase the frequency of cleaning commonly used areas.
• Maintain a registration list of participants, if practical.

As for event participants, do note the following precautionary measures:

• Those who are unwell should not attend the event and should instead, avoid public spaces and contact with others, seeking immediate medical attention. If a staff or participant falls unwell during the event, they should leave immediately and seek appropriate medical attention.
• Individuals on LOA should not attend events. They are strongly advised to remain at home and minimise their time spent in public spaces.
• Anyone with recent travel history to mainland China, in particular Hubei province, within the last 14 days should not attend.
• Individuals who well do not need to wear masks.
• Remain vigilant and practise good personal hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face.
• Avoid shaking hands with other event participants, and consider adopting alternative greetings.

Photo / Learning & Development Asia 2019, Singapore