SINGAPORE — Foreign domestic workers will be able to resume spending their rest days outside their place of employment once Singapore moves into Phase Two of reopening the economy on Friday (June 19) but should avoid crowded places when they do so, said the Manpower Ministry (MOM).  

In an advisory released on Wednesday, MOM said that maids, with the permission of their employers, should consider taking their rest days on weekdays instead of on a weekend when it is more crowded.  

Previously, the MOM had advised that domestic helpers spend their rest days at home although they should not be tasked with any work on these days. 

From June 19, foreign domestic workers are advised against congregating in crowded areas such as City Plaza, Lucky Plaza and Peninsula Plaza on their rest days.  

MOM said that inspections will be carried out to disperse large groups and outdoor gatherings. 

Those who do not cooperate may be fined and have their work passes revoked, it added. 

Workers seeking to remit money at these places should also make appointments with their remittance agents before meeting them or do their remittance via electronic platforms. 

MOM said that domestic workers should also inform their employers of their whereabouts and are strongly encouraged to download and activate the TraceTogether app to facilitate contact tracing. 

As with the rest of the community, foreign domestic workers should also take the following precautions when they go out:  

• Wear a mask and maintain a safe distance from one another 

• Observe good personal hygiene and avoid sharing food, drinks and other personal items

• Reduce their time spent outside and limit the number of contacts that they meet on their rest day

• Comply with safe distancing measures at malls and public places, and not gather in groups of more than five