Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[jw5]

from Lawrence Wong facebook:

Steven Chua
Good Morning Our Dearest Minister Lawrence Wong

Thanks For Sharing And Happy Vesak Day

Must Stay Safe And Healthy

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

A Singapore-EU digital agreement could help align standards for digital vaccine certs: Gan Kim Yong​

SINGAPORE - A digital agreement between Singapore and the European Union could help align standards for digital vaccine certificates and so facilitate cross-border travel, said Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong on Tuesday (May 25).

It could also enable mutual recognition of digital identity regimes and allow businesses to easily verify cross-border customers, said Mr Gan.

The minister was speaking at the Sweden-South-east Asia Business Reset Summit 2021 at Capella Hotel.


The agreement could help Singapore and European countries, including Sweden, seize new growth opportunities in the digital economy, which will support overall economic recovery from the pandemic, said Mr Gan.

"Emerging from the Covid-19 crisis, we need to double down on digitalisation and digital trade. These present significant opportunities for investment and development, and provide the tools needed to adapt to new ways of working, post-Covid-19," he said.

He noted that Singapore will continue to support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their recovery through digitalisation.

For example, the Grow Digital initiative by the Infocomm Media Development Authority and Enterprise Singapore has helped more than 1,800 enterprises to transact on e-commerce platforms.

The initiative helps SMEs sell to overseas customers on e-commerce platforms without a need for physical presence.

To support digitalisation, Singapore is looking to work with top industry 4.0 solution providers that will enable the introduction of key technologies such as 5G network and industrial Internet of Things, said Mr Gan.

There are also opportunities for Singapore, Sweden and Swedish businesses in sustainability-related businesses, in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 that was unveiled in February, said the minister.

For example, demand for industrial energy efficiency solutions is growing in Singapore and in the region, and Swedish companies can seize these opportunities, he added.

Knowledge sharing between Singaporean and Swedish solar and energy storage systems companies would help facilitate research collaborations between Swedish solar energy management companies and Singapore research institutes, said Mr Gan.

"Swedish companies can use Singapore as a launchpad to trial and commercialise green technology solutions for the region," he said.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong Fist Bump!

 

[jw5]

LW appears to be a friendly person.

 

[jw5]

from OYK facebook:

Ong Ye Kung​

5 hrs·

I’ve received more queries recently on virus variants and COVID-19 vaccination.
Here are my answers, with lots of inputs from MOH experts:
1️⃣ We heard the new B.1.617 variant attacks children especially. Is that true?
No. There is no evidence that the new variant attacks children more than adults. But the new strain appears to be more transmissible, affecting both children and adults. So far, all the children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms.
2️⃣ Is it true that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not suitable for children as it is a new technology, and old ‘killed virus’ vaccine is better for children?
No. We are aware of various opinions on this matter amongst the public, but MOH needs to go by the scientific evidence presented by rigorous clinical trials. Pfizer-BioNTech has done so and results showed that the vaccine works just as well for young people aged 12-15 years old, and the US and Canada have approved its use for this group.
As for the ‘killed virus’ technology, there is currently no inactivated COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in children.

There is also a view that since the younger group tend to have milder symptoms, the risks of vaccination for adolescents and children outweigh the benefits. But vaccination remains important for this group as young people who are infected may be transmitting the virus to the older family members at home. So please consider that too.

You can read more here: https://www.moh.gov.sg/…/expert-committee-on-covid-19-vacci…

3️⃣ I could not get vaccinated because I have allergies? What should I do?

Thank you for wanting to get vaccinated. It is important for you to do so. But anaphylaxis can be potentially serious, and so we took the precaution of not administering vaccines to individuals with known allergies.

Having said that, there are a few things you can do:
First, check if you have at least two of these three signs of allergies (mouth/lip swelling, shortness of breath or giddiness). If you have only one, it means your allergy is not severe or life threatening, you can take the vaccine. So re-register again and go to the Centres. We will remind vaccination centres of the criteria.

Second, if you have past vaccine allergies, you will be assessed at the vaccination centre and, if necessary, referred to a hospital for further assessment to take the vaccine. If you are not referred, you can request for it.

Separately, with more safety data from the mass vaccination rollout overseas and locally, we will keep reviewing our guidelines to allow more groups to be vaccinated safely. As for those with severe life threatening allergies, we will inform you once there is any suitable alternative vaccine.

 

[kaninabuchaojibye]

from OYK facebook:

Ong Ye Kung​

5 hrs·

I’ve received more queries recently on virus variants and COVID-19 vaccination.
Here are my answers, with lots of inputs from MOH experts:
1️⃣ We heard the new B.1.617 variant attacks children especially. Is that true?
No. There is no evidence that the new variant attacks children more than adults. But the new strain appears to be more transmissible, affecting both children and adults. So far, all the children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms.
2️⃣ Is it true that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not suitable for children as it is a new technology, and old ‘killed virus’ vaccine is better for children?
No. We are aware of various opinions on this matter amongst the public, but MOH needs to go by the scientific evidence presented by rigorous clinical trials. Pfizer-BioNTech has done so and results showed that the vaccine works just as well for young people aged 12-15 years old, and the US and Canada have approved its use for this group.
As for the ‘killed virus’ technology, there is currently no inactivated COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in children.

There is also a view that since the younger group tend to have milder symptoms, the risks of vaccination for adolescents and children outweigh the benefits. But vaccination remains important for this group as young people who are infected may be transmitting the virus to the older family members at home. So please consider that too.

You can read more here: https://www.moh.gov.sg/…/expert-committee-on-covid-19-vacci…

3️⃣ I could not get vaccinated because I have allergies? What should I do?

Thank you for wanting to get vaccinated. It is important for you to do so. But anaphylaxis can be potentially serious, and so we took the precaution of not administering vaccines to individuals with known allergies.

Having said that, there are a few things you can do:
First, check if you have at least two of these three signs of allergies (mouth/lip swelling, shortness of breath or giddiness). If you have only one, it means your allergy is not severe or life threatening, you can take the vaccine. So re-register again and go to the Centres. We will remind vaccination centres of the criteria.

Second, if you have past vaccine allergies, you will be assessed at the vaccination centre and, if necessary, referred to a hospital for further assessment to take the vaccine. If you are not referred, you can request for it.

Separately, with more safety data from the mass vaccination rollout overseas and locally, we will keep reviewing our guidelines to allow more groups to be vaccinated safely. As for those with severe life threatening allergies, we will inform you once there is any suitable alternative vaccine.

life as minister so simple
get the moh specialists to draft reply
he cut and paste and post facebook
million dollar celery earned
study medicine and become specialists for fuck
go join pap and earn millions better
haaaa

 

[jw5]

life as minister so simple
get the moh specialists to draft reply
he cut and paste and post facebook
million dollar celery earned
study medicine and become specialists for fuck
go join pap and earn millions better
haaaa

No wonder so many people sign up to be MPs, hoping to become Ministars.

 

[jw5]

from OYK facebook:

Ong Ye Kung​

5 hrs·

I’ve received more queries recently on virus variants and COVID-19 vaccination.
Here are my answers, with lots of inputs from MOH experts:
1️⃣ We heard the new B.1.617 variant attacks children especially. Is that true?
No. There is no evidence that the new variant attacks children more than adults. But the new strain appears to be more transmissible, affecting both children and adults. So far, all the children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms.
2️⃣ Is it true that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not suitable for children as it is a new technology, and old ‘killed virus’ vaccine is better for children?
No. We are aware of various opinions on this matter amongst the public, but MOH needs to go by the scientific evidence presented by rigorous clinical trials. Pfizer-BioNTech has done so and results showed that the vaccine works just as well for young people aged 12-15 years old, and the US and Canada have approved its use for this group.
As for the ‘killed virus’ technology, there is currently no inactivated COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in children.

There is also a view that since the younger group tend to have milder symptoms, the risks of vaccination for adolescents and children outweigh the benefits. But vaccination remains important for this group as young people who are infected may be transmitting the virus to the older family members at home. So please consider that too.

You can read more here: https://www.moh.gov.sg/…/expert-committee-on-covid-19-vacci…

3️⃣ I could not get vaccinated because I have allergies? What should I do?

Thank you for wanting to get vaccinated. It is important for you to do so. But anaphylaxis can be potentially serious, and so we took the precaution of not administering vaccines to individuals with known allergies.

Having said that, there are a few things you can do:
First, check if you have at least two of these three signs of allergies (mouth/lip swelling, shortness of breath or giddiness). If you have only one, it means your allergy is not severe or life threatening, you can take the vaccine. So re-register again and go to the Centres. We will remind vaccination centres of the criteria.

Second, if you have past vaccine allergies, you will be assessed at the vaccination centre and, if necessary, referred to a hospital for further assessment to take the vaccine. If you are not referred, you can request for it.

Separately, with more safety data from the mass vaccination rollout overseas and locally, we will keep reviewing our guidelines to allow more groups to be vaccinated safely. As for those with severe life threatening allergies, we will inform you once there is any suitable alternative vaccine.

Good info from the new Ministar Of Health.

 

[jw5]

from OYK facebook:

Ong Ye Kung​

5 hrs·

I’ve received more queries recently on virus variants and COVID-19 vaccination.
Here are my answers, with lots of inputs from MOH experts:
1️⃣ We heard the new B.1.617 variant attacks children especially. Is that true?
No. There is no evidence that the new variant attacks children more than adults. But the new strain appears to be more transmissible, affecting both children and adults. So far, all the children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms.
2️⃣ Is it true that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not suitable for children as it is a new technology, and old ‘killed virus’ vaccine is better for children?
No. We are aware of various opinions on this matter amongst the public, but MOH needs to go by the scientific evidence presented by rigorous clinical trials. Pfizer-BioNTech has done so and results showed that the vaccine works just as well for young people aged 12-15 years old, and the US and Canada have approved its use for this group.
As for the ‘killed virus’ technology, there is currently no inactivated COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in children.

There is also a view that since the younger group tend to have milder symptoms, the risks of vaccination for adolescents and children outweigh the benefits. But vaccination remains important for this group as young people who are infected may be transmitting the virus to the older family members at home. So please consider that too.

You can read more here: https://www.moh.gov.sg/…/expert-committee-on-covid-19-vacci…

3️⃣ I could not get vaccinated because I have allergies? What should I do?

Thank you for wanting to get vaccinated. It is important for you to do so. But anaphylaxis can be potentially serious, and so we took the precaution of not administering vaccines to individuals with known allergies.

Having said that, there are a few things you can do:
First, check if you have at least two of these three signs of allergies (mouth/lip swelling, shortness of breath or giddiness). If you have only one, it means your allergy is not severe or life threatening, you can take the vaccine. So re-register again and go to the Centres. We will remind vaccination centres of the criteria.

Second, if you have past vaccine allergies, you will be assessed at the vaccination centre and, if necessary, referred to a hospital for further assessment to take the vaccine. If you are not referred, you can request for it.

Separately, with more safety data from the mass vaccination rollout overseas and locally, we will keep reviewing our guidelines to allow more groups to be vaccinated safely. As for those with severe life threatening allergies, we will inform you once there is any suitable alternative vaccine.

It appears that both Pfizer and Moderna may be suitable for children.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

$800m COVID aid package to help workers and firms, no need to tap reserves: Lawrence Wong​

SINGAPORE — The government will spend some $800 million on support measures to assist workers and companies hit by the ongoing Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (28 May).

Media reports also cited Wong as saying that authorities are unlikely to embark on "further tightening" of prevailing measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The multi-ministry taskforce on COVID-19, which Wong co-chairs, will give a fuller update on Monday.


The support package will comprise, among others, enhancements to the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) for affected sectors, rental relief for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in commercial properties, and the COVID-19 Recovery Grant (Temporary) (CRG-T).

Wong said that the government would not need to draw on its past reserves to fund the measures. He noted that most parts of the economy are still operating, while there are now more government support schemes like the Jobs Growth Incentive.

"We must expect to run into situations like these from time to time, when we experience an occasional outbreak of cases in our community, and we will then need to tighten restrictions temporarily to control the spread of the virus.

"So, we will have to learn to adapt to such situations, using our own resources rather than to dip into our past reserves. And it is on that basis that we are able to set aside some funds for this package."

Wong, who was speaking at a virtual press conference open only to Singapore Press Holdings and Mediacorp outlets, as well as the social news site Mothership, added that the support package will be funded by a reallocation of spending. The minister will take a Supplementary Supply Bill at the next parliamentary sitting in July to effect the reallocation.

On 16 May, Singapore entered a renewed period of restrictions on social gatherings and other activities, amid a spike in community cases. The rules, such as a ban on dining-in at all food & beverage (F&B) establishments and lower crowd capacity at public places like malls, are in effect till 13 June.

Affected gyms, fitness studios, performing arts organisations, and arts education centres will be given enhanced JSS support to the tune of 50 per cent for the period of Phase 2. These are establishments which have been required to suspend many, if not all, of their operations.

For sectors that are not required to suspend operations but are significantly affected by the tightened measures, JSS support will be enhanced to 30 per cent for the same period. This covers businesses in the retail sector, affected personal care services, museums, art galleries, historical sites, cinemas, indoor playgrounds and other family entertainment centres.

Some retailers like supermarkets, convenience stores and online retailers will not be eligible for the enhanced support.

The enhanced payout, based on wages paid from April to June, will be disbursed in September.

Rental relief​

To support businesses with rental costs, there will be rental relief given to SMEs, and eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs) with an annual revenue not exceeding $100 million, who are tenant-occupiers of qualifying commercial properties.

Qualifying tenants at government-owned commercial properties will be granted a month of rental relief. This is aligned to the rental waiver for hawker stalls and coffee shops provided during P2(HA). Tenants will be required to pass down the rental relief received to qualifying sub-tenants, if any.

And while some landlords at privately-owned commercial properties have given rental waivers or rebates to support their tenants, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) will also disburse a 0.5-month rental relief cash payout directly to qualifying tenants as part of a new Rental Support Scheme.

The payout will be disbursed starting from mid-August 2021 and computed based on the latest contractual gross rent within the period 14-29 May.

Separately, property owners who run an SME business or NPO on their own property will also be eligible for the cash payout, computed based on the Annual Value of the property (or part of) for Year 2021 as at 14 May.

To help those in sectors such as F&B, hawkers, retail, arts as well as sports and fitness, the CRG-T scheme will provide one-off support for lower- to middle-income employees and self-employed persons who are financially impacted as a result of the tightened measures.

Individuals who experience at least one month of involuntary no-pay leave (NPL) or income loss of at least 50 per cent for at least one month during P2(HA), may apply for CRG-T. Eligible individuals placed on involuntary NPL may receive a one-off payout of up to $700, and those experiencing significant income loss may receive a one-off payout of up to $500.

Applications will open from 3 June to 2 July, with more details to come from the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

$800m COVID aid package to help workers and firms, no need to tap reserves: Lawrence Wong​

SINGAPORE — The government will spend some $800 million on support measures to assist workers and companies hit by the ongoing Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (28 May).

View attachment 112135

Media reports also cited Wong as saying that authorities are unlikely to embark on "further tightening" of prevailing measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The multi-ministry taskforce on COVID-19, which Wong co-chairs, will give a fuller update on Monday.


The support package will comprise, among others, enhancements to the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) for affected sectors, rental relief for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in commercial properties, and the COVID-19 Recovery Grant (Temporary) (CRG-T).

Wong said that the government would not need to draw on its past reserves to fund the measures. He noted that most parts of the economy are still operating, while there are now more government support schemes like the Jobs Growth Incentive.

"We must expect to run into situations like these from time to time, when we experience an occasional outbreak of cases in our community, and we will then need to tighten restrictions temporarily to control the spread of the virus.

"So, we will have to learn to adapt to such situations, using our own resources rather than to dip into our past reserves. And it is on that basis that we are able to set aside some funds for this package."

Wong, who was speaking at a virtual press conference open only to Singapore Press Holdings and Mediacorp outlets, as well as the social news site Mothership, added that the support package will be funded by a reallocation of spending. The minister will take a Supplementary Supply Bill at the next parliamentary sitting in July to effect the reallocation.

On 16 May, Singapore entered a renewed period of restrictions on social gatherings and other activities, amid a spike in community cases. The rules, such as a ban on dining-in at all food & beverage (F&B) establishments and lower crowd capacity at public places like malls, are in effect till 13 June.

View attachment 112136

Affected gyms, fitness studios, performing arts organisations, and arts education centres will be given enhanced JSS support to the tune of 50 per cent for the period of Phase 2. These are establishments which have been required to suspend many, if not all, of their operations.

For sectors that are not required to suspend operations but are significantly affected by the tightened measures, JSS support will be enhanced to 30 per cent for the same period. This covers businesses in the retail sector, affected personal care services, museums, art galleries, historical sites, cinemas, indoor playgrounds and other family entertainment centres.

Some retailers like supermarkets, convenience stores and online retailers will not be eligible for the enhanced support.

The enhanced payout, based on wages paid from April to June, will be disbursed in September.

Rental relief​

View attachment 112137

To support businesses with rental costs, there will be rental relief given to SMEs, and eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs) with an annual revenue not exceeding $100 million, who are tenant-occupiers of qualifying commercial properties.

Qualifying tenants at government-owned commercial properties will be granted a month of rental relief. This is aligned to the rental waiver for hawker stalls and coffee shops provided during P2(HA). Tenants will be required to pass down the rental relief received to qualifying sub-tenants, if any.

And while some landlords at privately-owned commercial properties have given rental waivers or rebates to support their tenants, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) will also disburse a 0.5-month rental relief cash payout directly to qualifying tenants as part of a new Rental Support Scheme.

The payout will be disbursed starting from mid-August 2021 and computed based on the latest contractual gross rent within the period 14-29 May.

Separately, property owners who run an SME business or NPO on their own property will also be eligible for the cash payout, computed based on the Annual Value of the property (or part of) for Year 2021 as at 14 May.

To help those in sectors such as F&B, hawkers, retail, arts as well as sports and fitness, the CRG-T scheme will provide one-off support for lower- to middle-income employees and self-employed persons who are financially impacted as a result of the tightened measures.

Individuals who experience at least one month of involuntary no-pay leave (NPL) or income loss of at least 50 per cent for at least one month during P2(HA), may apply for CRG-T. Eligible individuals placed on involuntary NPL may receive a one-off payout of up to $700, and those experiencing significant income loss may receive a one-off payout of up to $500.

Applications will open from 3 June to 2 July, with more details to come from the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Lawrence Wong playing the role of Finance Ministar.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

$800m COVID aid package to help workers and firms, no need to tap reserves: Lawrence Wong​

SINGAPORE — The government will spend some $800 million on support measures to assist workers and companies hit by the ongoing Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (28 May).

View attachment 112135

Media reports also cited Wong as saying that authorities are unlikely to embark on "further tightening" of prevailing measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The multi-ministry taskforce on COVID-19, which Wong co-chairs, will give a fuller update on Monday.


The support package will comprise, among others, enhancements to the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) for affected sectors, rental relief for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in commercial properties, and the COVID-19 Recovery Grant (Temporary) (CRG-T).

Wong said that the government would not need to draw on its past reserves to fund the measures. He noted that most parts of the economy are still operating, while there are now more government support schemes like the Jobs Growth Incentive.

"We must expect to run into situations like these from time to time, when we experience an occasional outbreak of cases in our community, and we will then need to tighten restrictions temporarily to control the spread of the virus.

"So, we will have to learn to adapt to such situations, using our own resources rather than to dip into our past reserves. And it is on that basis that we are able to set aside some funds for this package."

Wong, who was speaking at a virtual press conference open only to Singapore Press Holdings and Mediacorp outlets, as well as the social news site Mothership, added that the support package will be funded by a reallocation of spending. The minister will take a Supplementary Supply Bill at the next parliamentary sitting in July to effect the reallocation.

On 16 May, Singapore entered a renewed period of restrictions on social gatherings and other activities, amid a spike in community cases. The rules, such as a ban on dining-in at all food & beverage (F&B) establishments and lower crowd capacity at public places like malls, are in effect till 13 June.

View attachment 112136

Affected gyms, fitness studios, performing arts organisations, and arts education centres will be given enhanced JSS support to the tune of 50 per cent for the period of Phase 2. These are establishments which have been required to suspend many, if not all, of their operations.

For sectors that are not required to suspend operations but are significantly affected by the tightened measures, JSS support will be enhanced to 30 per cent for the same period. This covers businesses in the retail sector, affected personal care services, museums, art galleries, historical sites, cinemas, indoor playgrounds and other family entertainment centres.

Some retailers like supermarkets, convenience stores and online retailers will not be eligible for the enhanced support.

The enhanced payout, based on wages paid from April to June, will be disbursed in September.

Rental relief​

View attachment 112137

To support businesses with rental costs, there will be rental relief given to SMEs, and eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs) with an annual revenue not exceeding $100 million, who are tenant-occupiers of qualifying commercial properties.

Qualifying tenants at government-owned commercial properties will be granted a month of rental relief. This is aligned to the rental waiver for hawker stalls and coffee shops provided during P2(HA). Tenants will be required to pass down the rental relief received to qualifying sub-tenants, if any.

And while some landlords at privately-owned commercial properties have given rental waivers or rebates to support their tenants, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) will also disburse a 0.5-month rental relief cash payout directly to qualifying tenants as part of a new Rental Support Scheme.

The payout will be disbursed starting from mid-August 2021 and computed based on the latest contractual gross rent within the period 14-29 May.

Separately, property owners who run an SME business or NPO on their own property will also be eligible for the cash payout, computed based on the Annual Value of the property (or part of) for Year 2021 as at 14 May.

To help those in sectors such as F&B, hawkers, retail, arts as well as sports and fitness, the CRG-T scheme will provide one-off support for lower- to middle-income employees and self-employed persons who are financially impacted as a result of the tightened measures.

Individuals who experience at least one month of involuntary no-pay leave (NPL) or income loss of at least 50 per cent for at least one month during P2(HA), may apply for CRG-T. Eligible individuals placed on involuntary NPL may receive a one-off payout of up to $700, and those experiencing significant income loss may receive a one-off payout of up to $500.

Applications will open from 3 June to 2 July, with more details to come from the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

The enhancements to the JSS are quite generous.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

$800m COVID aid package to help workers and firms, no need to tap reserves: Lawrence Wong​

SINGAPORE — The government will spend some $800 million on support measures to assist workers and companies hit by the ongoing Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (28 May).

View attachment 112135

Media reports also cited Wong as saying that authorities are unlikely to embark on "further tightening" of prevailing measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The multi-ministry taskforce on COVID-19, which Wong co-chairs, will give a fuller update on Monday.


The support package will comprise, among others, enhancements to the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) for affected sectors, rental relief for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in commercial properties, and the COVID-19 Recovery Grant (Temporary) (CRG-T).

Wong said that the government would not need to draw on its past reserves to fund the measures. He noted that most parts of the economy are still operating, while there are now more government support schemes like the Jobs Growth Incentive.

"We must expect to run into situations like these from time to time, when we experience an occasional outbreak of cases in our community, and we will then need to tighten restrictions temporarily to control the spread of the virus.

"So, we will have to learn to adapt to such situations, using our own resources rather than to dip into our past reserves. And it is on that basis that we are able to set aside some funds for this package."

Wong, who was speaking at a virtual press conference open only to Singapore Press Holdings and Mediacorp outlets, as well as the social news site Mothership, added that the support package will be funded by a reallocation of spending. The minister will take a Supplementary Supply Bill at the next parliamentary sitting in July to effect the reallocation.

On 16 May, Singapore entered a renewed period of restrictions on social gatherings and other activities, amid a spike in community cases. The rules, such as a ban on dining-in at all food & beverage (F&B) establishments and lower crowd capacity at public places like malls, are in effect till 13 June.

View attachment 112136

Affected gyms, fitness studios, performing arts organisations, and arts education centres will be given enhanced JSS support to the tune of 50 per cent for the period of Phase 2. These are establishments which have been required to suspend many, if not all, of their operations.

For sectors that are not required to suspend operations but are significantly affected by the tightened measures, JSS support will be enhanced to 30 per cent for the same period. This covers businesses in the retail sector, affected personal care services, museums, art galleries, historical sites, cinemas, indoor playgrounds and other family entertainment centres.

Some retailers like supermarkets, convenience stores and online retailers will not be eligible for the enhanced support.

The enhanced payout, based on wages paid from April to June, will be disbursed in September.

Rental relief​

View attachment 112137

To support businesses with rental costs, there will be rental relief given to SMEs, and eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs) with an annual revenue not exceeding $100 million, who are tenant-occupiers of qualifying commercial properties.

Qualifying tenants at government-owned commercial properties will be granted a month of rental relief. This is aligned to the rental waiver for hawker stalls and coffee shops provided during P2(HA). Tenants will be required to pass down the rental relief received to qualifying sub-tenants, if any.

And while some landlords at privately-owned commercial properties have given rental waivers or rebates to support their tenants, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) will also disburse a 0.5-month rental relief cash payout directly to qualifying tenants as part of a new Rental Support Scheme.

The payout will be disbursed starting from mid-August 2021 and computed based on the latest contractual gross rent within the period 14-29 May.

Separately, property owners who run an SME business or NPO on their own property will also be eligible for the cash payout, computed based on the Annual Value of the property (or part of) for Year 2021 as at 14 May.

To help those in sectors such as F&B, hawkers, retail, arts as well as sports and fitness, the CRG-T scheme will provide one-off support for lower- to middle-income employees and self-employed persons who are financially impacted as a result of the tightened measures.

Individuals who experience at least one month of involuntary no-pay leave (NPL) or income loss of at least 50 per cent for at least one month during P2(HA), may apply for CRG-T. Eligible individuals placed on involuntary NPL may receive a one-off payout of up to $700, and those experiencing significant income loss may receive a one-off payout of up to $500.

Applications will open from 3 June to 2 July, with more details to come from the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Rental relief should allow retailers to endure a bit longer.

 

[laksaboy]

Looks like vaccination doesn't work and there won't be a 'return to normalcy'.

That's why the 160th media is saying this now. Covering their backsides.

 

[jw5]

Looks like vaccination doesn't work and there won't be a 'return to normalcy'.

That's why the 160th media is saying this now. Covering their backsides.

PAP always prepares you for the worst, which is themselves.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Singapore and Malaysia to ensure continued flow of goods and services: Gan Kim Yong​

SINGAPORE - The Republic will continue to work closely with Malaysia to ensure the continued flow of goods and supplies between the two countries, despite the latter's announcement of further tightened measures to control the pandemic, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said on Saturday (May 29).

Malaysia had announced on Friday that it will be implementing a nationwide total lockdown for all social and economic sectors from next Tuesday to June 14 to curb the spread of Covid-19 within the country.

Mr Gan said leading supermarket chains in Singapore have been actively monitoring the situation globally and regionally since last year.

"Where necessary, they have acted quickly to build up inventory to increase our stock of food and essential supplies."

The Ministry of Trade and Industry said in a Facebook post on Saturday that Mr Gan made these comments during a visit to NTUC FairPrice's Benoi Distribution Centre and a cold warehouse at YCH's Supply Chain City.

Mr Gan also expressed appreciation to logistics professionals and supermarket staff for their hard work "in ensuring that there are sufficient supplies for the nation".

"As we continue the battle against the pandemic, I urge all Singaporeans to continue to stand together while taking care of the most vulnerable among us," he added.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Likely no need to further tighten Singapore's Covid-19 rules for now as community cases have stabilised: Lawrence Wong​

SINGAPORE - Prevailing measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus have been working so far, as the number of new community cases has stabilised, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (May 28).

Therefore, "we do not think there is a need for further tightening in our overall posture" for now, he said, adding that Singaporeans will still need to remain vigilant and play their part by minimising their activities and movement outside of their homes.

A fuller update will be given at a press conference by the multi-ministry task force on Covid-19 next Monday, said Mr Wong.

He was speaking to the media during a virtual press conference to announce enhanced support measures for businesses suffering from the tightened measures.

Costing a total of $800 million, these measures include enhanced wage subsidies under the Jobs Support Scheme for affected sectors such as gyms, fitness studios, performing arts organisations and arts education centres.

"If there are further extensions of the restrictions beyond June 13, the ministry will also consider whether support measures can be similarly extended," said Mr Wong.

The minister, who is co-chair of the task force tackling Covid-19, said the number of community cases has stabilised, "even declined slightly".

"That's all because of the tightening (of measures) and because everyone in Singapore is cooperating and doing their part," he said.

"So we thank everyone for doing that - for being vigilant, for scaling back activities, staying home wherever they can and going out only for essential activities," said Mr Wong.

"I think if we continue to do that... then we have a very good chance of continuing to bring down the cases and keep the infections in check," he added.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

MAS appoints finance minister Lawrence Wong as deputy chair of its board​

SINGAPORE - Finance Minister Lawrence Wong has been appointed deputy chairman of the central bank's board of directors, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Friday (May 28).

Mr Wong will serve as a member of the MAS board for a term of three years from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2024. He was previously on the MAS board from June 2011 to August 2016.

Mr Wong, who was given the finance portfolio in a recent Cabinet reshuffle, is also the co-chairman of the multi-ministry task force in charge of the Covid-19 pandemic in Singapore.

The current MAS deputy chairman, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, will step down from the post next Monday, but will remain a member of the MAS board that he has served for 23 years.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who has been a board member since August 2016, will step down next Monday.

The MAS also welcomed Mrs Deborah Ong as a new member of its board.

Mrs Ong recently retired as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers Singapore. She also chairs the audit and risk committees of SkillsFuture Singapore, Workforce Singapore, the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at the Nanyang Technological University, and the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). She is also a board member of Sats, the ground-handling and in-flight catering service provider at Changi Airport.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, was reappointed chairman of the MAS board for a further term of three years, starting June 1, 2021.

The MAS also announced the reappointment of other members for a further term of three years, including Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies; Mr Peter Ong, chairman of Enterprise Singapore, who will also be reappointed chairman of the risk committee; and Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, chief health scientist at the Ministry of Health and executive director of the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation.

Mr Ravi Menon was reappointed as member of the MAS board and managing director of MAS for a further term of two years, from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2023.

Mr Quek See Tiat, CEA president and chairman of the Singapore Accounting Standards Council, was also reappointed as member for a one-year term, and as chairman of the audit committee.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Singapore planning for possibility that Covid-19 becomes endemic here: Lawrence Wong​

SINGAPORE - Singapore has started planning for the possibility that Covid-19 may become endemic here, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (May 28).

This could mean Singaporeans will need to get booster jabs from time to time, he noted. In the coming months, better treatments could also be developed for the disease, making it less of something to fear, he added at a virtual press conference.

But even then, the country may have to take basic precautions - for example, with regard to ventilation systems and buildings - in order to minimise the risk of infection.

"When will it happen? I really can't say," Mr Wong said, in response to a reporter's question on when the virus will be considered endemic here.

"But we are indeed planning for a plausible scenario down the road where scientists around the world... come to the conclusion that it's not going to be possible to eradicate this virus - it's never going to go away, and we then have to learn to live with it."

The minister was speaking at a press conference to announce extra help for individuals and businesses impacted by the tightened measures on social interaction. The $800 million package of support measures will be debated at the next Parliament sitting in July.

At the virtual event, Mr Wong was asked how Singaporeans might go about their daily lives in the coming years, given that it seems difficult to picture the current restrictions on mask wearing and social gatherings lasting for a long time.

"I can't even predict what's going to happen next month," he replied. "So I don't know that it's so easy to tell you what's going to happen years down the road because the situation is really very uncertain."

He did, however, note that the current strict measures are working to help Singapore curb the spread of the virus.

"Therefore, we do not think there is a need for further tightening in our overall posture," Mr Wong said, adding that a fuller update will be given at the next press conference by the multi-ministerial task force tackling Covid-19 on Monday.

 

[kaninabuchaojibye]

from straitstimes.com:

Singapore planning for possibility that Covid-19 becomes endemic here: Lawrence Wong​

View attachment 112394

SINGAPORE - Singapore has started planning for the possibility that Covid-19 may become endemic here, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (May 28).

This could mean Singaporeans will need to get booster jabs from time to time, he noted. In the coming months, better treatments could also be developed for the disease, making it less of something to fear, he added at a virtual press conference.

But even then, the country may have to take basic precautions - for example, with regard to ventilation systems and buildings - in order to minimise the risk of infection.

"When will it happen? I really can't say," Mr Wong said, in response to a reporter's question on when the virus will be considered endemic here.

"But we are indeed planning for a plausible scenario down the road where scientists around the world... come to the conclusion that it's not going to be possible to eradicate this virus - it's never going to go away, and we then have to learn to live with it."

The minister was speaking at a press conference to announce extra help for individuals and businesses impacted by the tightened measures on social interaction. The $800 million package of support measures will be debated at the next Parliament sitting in July.

At the virtual event, Mr Wong was asked how Singaporeans might go about their daily lives in the coming years, given that it seems difficult to picture the current restrictions on mask wearing and social gatherings lasting for a long time.

"I can't even predict what's going to happen next month," he replied. "So I don't know that it's so easy to tell you what's going to happen years down the road because the situation is really very uncertain."

He did, however, note that the current strict measures are working to help Singapore curb the spread of the virus.

"Therefore, we do not think there is a need for further tightening in our overall posture," Mr Wong said, adding that a fuller update will be given at the next press conference by the multi-ministerial task force tackling Covid-19 on Monday.

when thry vaccinate 70 to 75% of population in sinkypura, mask will be redundant