DG: Trend of workplace clusters persists despite latest MCO
The upward trend of workplace clusters continues to persist despite work from home requirements imposed on employers under the latest movement control order (MCO), said Health Ministry director general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
"Between May 12 to 26, 115 workplace clusters with 5,392 cases have been reported, with half of the clusters involving factories," he said in a press statement today.
Under the latest MCO which started on May 12, the private sector can...
The upward trend of workplace clusters continues to persist despite work from home requirements imposed on employers under the latest movement control order (MCO), said Health Ministry director general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
"Between May 12 to 26, 115 workplace clusters with 5,392 cases have been reported, with half of the clusters involving factories," he said in a press statement today.
Under the latest MCO which started on May 12, the private sector can only allow 60 percent of employees to work on-site, while 40 percent must work from home.
It is unclear how workers on manufacturing lines can work from home. Factories with less than 40 percent of workers in management are likely forced to reduce production capacity to adhere to the rules.
The new rules differ from previous versions of the MCO when only 30 percent of management staff can work on-site, while there were no restrictions on operational staff, including those on manufacturing lines.
Despite factories and workplaces making up the largest number of clusters, the government has resisted imposing stricter restrictions on them in a bid to safeguard the economy.
'Employers must keep workers safe'
Meanwhile, Noor Hisham (above) urged employers to provide safe work environments using the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti)'s Safe@work guidelines.
The guideline includes a call for employers to ensure physical distancing and provide hand sanitizers at workplaces.
It also calls for safer worker accommodations, ensuring the ability to physically distance even in recreational areas.
Noor Hisham also urged all workers to wear their face masks at all times when at work, avoid close conversations, ensure cleanliness, and avoid coming to work and inform their employers if they are symptomatic.
"All parties must cooperate to ensure workplaces and workers' accommodations are conducive and safe for use.
"This will reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection and other infections," he said.
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