Proposal to Implement Virus Drills

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Ministry will consider implementing virus drills whereby certain pockets of industries can take turns to implement business continuity plans for one week including the distribution of masks and other essential items, such as hand sanitisers, to employees.

The Ministry fully agrees that businesses must prepare themselves for disruptions arising from COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. That is why Enterprise Singapore released a guide on "Business Continuity Planning for COVID-19" to help companies, especially small and medium sized enterprises, put in place a basic Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to deal with the COVID-19 situation. This includes protocols to maintain a safe workplace, handle employees who may be COVID-19 positive, and recommendations to diversify supply chains and staffing arrangements so that the company can continue operating under different scenarios.

We will consider the Member's suggestion to implement 'virus drills' as we continue working with the business community to enhance their preparation for COVID-19.