Singapore’s New COVID‑19 Playbook: What Happens When You Test Positive
Quick Recap
Even if you feel fine, a positive antigen test means you’re going to stay home for the next few days. If you can’t work from home, your employer will treat that break as paid sick leave.
The Roadmap for a Positive Antigen Result
- First 72 Hours – Lock yourself down at home and check in daily.
- After 72 Hours – Do another antigen test.
- If it’s a negative – Welcome back to the office, minus the germ‑guarding mask.
- If it’s still positive – Repeat the test every 24 hours until you finally get a negative result.
And the big news? If you’re symptom‑free, you can skip the PCR test unless you’re in a high‑risk category (think healthcare, eldercare, or school staff). That way, clinics aren’t clogged with low‑risk folks and can focus on those who truly need extra care.
Who Still Needs a PCR?
There are a few “special cases” where a PCR is still on the agenda, even if you’re as fine as a cucumber:
- Healthcare and eldercare workers
- Pre‑school and primary school staff (and the kids themselves!)
- People under a quarantine order or stay‑home notice
- Those who received a health‑risk warning via SMS
- Vaccinated seniors over 80 and unvaccinated seniors over 70
Paid Sick Leave to Borrow
If you’re on a work‑from‑home shift but still need to quarantine, your employer can decide how many sick days to use. Every Singapore employee with at least three months of service gets up to 60 days of paid leave, hospitalisation included.
Remember: Compassion, Not Confusion
The partners—Ministry of Manpower, NTUC, and SNEF—emphasise that employers should be flexible and supportive. Think of it as a team‑up: treat your employees like teammates, not just numbers on an HR sheet.
Wrap‑Up
So, if the ART says you’re positive, stay put, keep checking, and let your employer smooth out the logistics. With a clear plan, you’ll be back on track sooner—spoiler alert: you’re already part of a team that cares.
