Question

Mr Ang Wei Neng: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how many companies providing essential services or in the key economic sectors are allowed to operate during the circuit breaker period; (b) how many workers working in the essential firms and key economic sectors are allowed to work at their usual work places; and (c) how has the number changed after the further tightening of economic activities on 20 April 2020.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing)

1. During the circuit breaker period starting 7 April 2020, around 21% of our total workforce continued operating on-site at approximately 80,000 entities. This excludes workers and companies that could continue operating from home, e.g., via telecommuting arrangements.

2. Under the enhanced circuit break period starting 21 April 2020, 17% of our total workforce continued operating on-site at approximately 45,000 entities. Again, this excludes workers and companies that could continue operating from home.