SINGAPORE — Foreign worker levy will be waived for the month of April while the Job Support Scheme will be enhanced as part of measures to increase support for businesses during the “circuit breaker” period.

Announcing these measures in a Facebook post on Saturday (April 4), Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said the details will be provided in his ministerial statement in Parliament on Monday.

“This is undoubtedly a difficult month for many businesses. Additional help is on the way,” said Mr Heng, who is also Finance Minister. "I hope that businesses can tide through this month, hold on to your workers, and resume activities once the circuit breaker is lifted. Together, we can pull through this crisis.”

On Friday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a set of significantly stricter measures, as a "circuit breaker” to curb the escalating number of new Covid-19 cases. Among other moves, most workplaces, except for those providing essential services or in key economic sectors, will close for one month from Tuesday.

Mr Heng said: “We are implementing these painful but necessary measures to protect lives. The stronger the measures we adopt, the bigger the disruption and costs on businesses. We remain equally committed to protecting jobs and livelihoods during this time."

He noted that many businesses are looking at their cash flow and working out alternative arrangements over the weekend.

"I understand your worries. That is why I am working with my team at the Ministry of Finance, together with other government agencies, to further increase support for businesses during the period of the circuit breaker,” he added.

On Tuesday, the Government will also be passing legislation in Parliament to ensure that property tax rebates are passed through to tenants.