Singapore’s Covid‑19 Spike: A Perfect Moment to Talk to Your Household Helper
The latest data shows Singapore’s daily COVID‑19 cases pushing past the 500‑mark for the first time. While the government’s rules for foreign domestic workers (FDWs) haven’t changed, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) now encourages them to hold their rest days at home.
What the MOM Is Saying
A Quick Checklist for Your Household Helper
Friendly Reminder
Think of your domestic helper as part of the family’s frontline. A brief talk over tea can go a long way:
“Hey, just checking in: how’s your day going? Any worries about staying at home during the rest day?”
Bottom Line
Singapore’s recent rise in COVID‑19 cases makes it a timely reminder to connect with the people who help keep your household running smoothly. By following MOM’s suggestion and giving your helper a nice break at home, you’re not only showing consideration but also contributing to a safer, healthier environment for all.
Rules for maids in Singapore during the Covid-19 outbreak:
Rest day arrangements
Keeping Your Maid Safe During Rest Days
Hey you! We know you love your sideline what you can do any question about giving your maid an avoid schedule: rest day at home. Let’s talk about it.
Why Home – it’s a New Rule
The Ministry of Manpower has rolled out a social‑distancing advisory that says FDWs (Foreign Domestic Workers) should stay home on their rest days. That’s not just a suggestion; it’s a safety move that keeps everyone safe. You and your helper are both protected by keeping the “home base” strong.
Minister Teo’s Insta‑Story Makes It Real
Facebook star Josephine Teo shared a sweet moment: her helper, Carmen, who’s been with her family for over 20 years, decided to skip the church crowd and go live–stream instead. “This morning, Carmen stayed home and joined the service online.” See how that real‑life example shows how staying at home isn’t just safe – it’s also respectful to her own limits.
What’s the Game Plan?
- No work on rest day. If your helper says she’ll relax inside the house, keep the house job list closed.
- Compensation for skipping. If she chooses to leave the house and miss a rest day, you must pay her like a normal workday. That’s fairness.
- Do errands sooner. If she can’t batch errands while she’s home, ask her to do them early in the week. It keeps people from meeting people… for fun… again.
- Say no to big crowds. No parties or gatherings on her rest day, keep her isolated.
- Home‑safe prep. Warn her before she leaves: turn away from handshakes, keep distance, avoid sharing food, drinks, or personal items. And keep hands clean – soap & water or an alcohol‑based rub. It’s a love‑note for her health.
Image Your Rest Day Like a Movie
Picture this: Your maid spends her weekend sipping tea in the living room, watching her favorite show, and maybe correcting a typo in a text. Avoiding crowds keeps the coughs away. You get a free lunch break; she keeps her health safe. A win‑win.
Speak Up, Smile, And Agree
Talk openly with her. Show her you’re not giving an ultimatum but a temporary safety measure. Let her know you’re fully on board to safeguard both parties. When you both agree, life runs smoother.
Rules for maids in Singapore during the Covid-19 outbreak: Home leave
New MOM Guidance for Helpers: Postpone Home Leave Until the Pandemic Stabilises
What the MOM is Saying
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has issued a new reminder: helpers should hold off on any planned home trips until the global situation becomes more stable. If you’re already planning a return to your home country, it’s time to consider rescheduling.
What This Means for Your Helper
- Postpone abnormally planned home leave. Make sure your helper knows that the current advice is to wait until the pandemic eases.
- Check past travel plans. If your helper had already booked a trip for a future date, you should discuss whether the schedule can be moved. In the event of an emergency, there’s an extra layer of protection with a fresh Stay‑Home Notice (SHN) that kicks in for anyone returning to Singapore.
Stay‑Home Notice (SHN) Recap for FDWs
All foreign domestic workers arriving in Singapore must attend a 14‑day SHN period. During this time they are not allowed to leave their residence.
- Respond to MOM calls (phone, WhatsApp, or SMS) within one hour.
- No visitors allowed at home.
- Limit contact with other people.
- Keep a record of any close contacts.
Consequences of Ignoring the Rules
Failure to abide by the SHN guidelines can lead to serious penalties, such as:
- Revocation of work passes.
- Suspension of work pass privileges.
- Other disciplinary actions as deemed necessary by MOM.
In short, if you’re planning something out of the blue for your helper, double‑check with them and stay on top of the MOM updates. It’s all about keeping everyone safe until the situation calms down.
Good practices to follow
Keeping the Whole House Safe from COVID-19: A Friendly Chat with Your Helper
Hey there! Ever’d wish you could just give a quick pep‑talk and avoid all those sneaky viruses? Well, let’s make a plan that feels like a conversation rather than a lecture. Grab a cup of tea, and let’s outline the key points to keep everyone—especially your helper—healthy.
1⃣ Hand Wash & Hygiene: The “Splash & Dash” Routine
- Ask your helper to keep a soap‑and‑water station somewhere handy. It’s easier to rinse off after visiting a bustling wet market or hopping off a bus than after a long day of chores.
- Feel a bit fancy? Suggest a hand‑rub with 60%+ alcohol for those moments when water isn’t immediately available.
- After the wash, switch into fresh clothes and maybe take a quick shower to curb any chance of carrying germs around.
2⃣ Covering Up: Microwaves of Nasal Hygiene
- Coach her on holding a tissue or her elbow whenever she coughs or sneezes—no heroics needed, just a simple cover.
- Tip: Toss the used tissue right into a bin. Swag meeting with the laundry? Not the best idea.
3⃣ No Shared Swag: Food, Drinks, and Utensils De‑distracted
- Keep “one set of forks” per person. Imagine a household buffet on a micro‑scale—lets not let it become a cross‑contamination feast.
- Even a simple cup? Hand it over only after wiping it down or using a disposable cup (extra points for eco‑friendly practices).
4⃣ Lead by Example: Keep the Team on Track
- Set a daily reminder list for all. Think of it as a relay race: each family member tags the next with a friendly check‑in.
- Give her reference sheets for kids & the elderly—just a quick peek at how you can help them keep their own masks and habits in check.
5⃣ Mask & Alertness: Stay Slick & Alert
- Encourage a habit of wearing a mask, especially when wandering around crowds. It’s a small, but mighty, shield.
- Should she feel anything off—cough, quickness, shortness of breath—push her to consult a doctor ASAP. A heads‑up call to your physician can spark a smooth visit.
- “I’ll keep it discreet” is key—private check‑in can avoid unneeded exposure at the clinic.
6⃣ Rest & Reduce: Let the Sick One Sleep it All Out
- When symptoms appear, nudge her to rest enough and limit touching people or pets around her.
- Bonus: For family members who need extra care—kids and the elderly—keep a watchful eye for any respiratory quirks.
The Daily Health Shuffle: Temperature & Symptoms
- All household members, helper included, should measure their temperature twice a day. A quick check is like a silent alarm.
- Check for coughs, shortness of breath or other symptoms—quickly.
- Especially for those who might not voice their discomfort (small kids, the elderly), note any odd breathing patterns. It’s a simple lifesaver.
There we go! A breezy walkthrough that feels like a chat over breakfast. With these small habits, your helper and the whole family can keep the “party crashers” (aka germs) at bay. Stay healthy, stay cheerful, and let the good vibes keep everyone safe!
Hiring new helpers during this period
Heads Up: 14‑Day Lock‑Down for Fresh‑In Home Help
When a new foreign domestic worker (FDW) lands in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) hits the brakes with a 14‑day Self‑Health Notice (SHN). Think of it as a mandatory quarantine, but with the freedom of a dorm, hostel, or hotel—no creepy cellar rooms allowed.
What You Need to Do
- Pick a place: Give your helper a safe spot to stay—dorms, hostels, or hotels are all fair game.
- Phone‑First: The helper must have a Singapore mobile number with internet and WhatsApp installed so she can stay in the MOM loop.
- Be Contactable: MOM might ping her, so she must be reachable at all times.
- Follow the Rules: All SHN regulations—including the no‑meetings clause, mask mandates, and daily logs—must be followed to the letter.
On Arrival, Don’t Guess—Plan
- Transit Plan: Arrange immediate transport from the airport to her accommodation so the 14‑day countdown starts right away.
- Food & Essentials: Ship meals and daily necessities to her address throughout the SHN—think of it as a long‑term grocery delivery spree.
That’s the gist—stay on top of the MOM checklist, keep your helper connected, and let her settle in without a hitch.
Stay in the Loop
Covid updates are in flux. For the most current info, keep an eye on official sites—though we’re keeping the ‘click‑here’ minimal and about the moment.
Why It Matters
Mandated SHN protects everyone’s health and keeps the workplace safe. Jumping the gun can cause fever‑related headaches for you, your family, and the helper.
