The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the implementation of safe distancing measures as well as the current “circuit breakers” by the Singapore government. Many companies incorporated in Singapore are statutorily required to hold their annual general meetings (AGMs) while such control measures are in place, which may prevent AGMs from taking place by the stipulated period.
COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020
On 7 April 2020, the Parliament of Singapore passed two important pieces of COVID-19 legislation:
- the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020. The Act provides temporary relief to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and gives the government powers to make control orders; and
- the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. The Control Order, issued pursuant to the Act, prohibits all social gatherings from 7 April 2020 to 4 May 2020.
This article summarizes the key features of the Act and the Control Order.
Singapore’s COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill
According to a press release by the Ministry of Law on 1 April 2020, the Singapore government will introduce a new bill known as the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill in Parliament on 7 April 2020.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, which summarises the likely key features of the bill, based on currently available sources, please visit the firm website.
COVID-19 in Singapore: What Can Commercial Tenants Do?
The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is the most critical problem facing the world now.
The Singapore government has acted swiftly to reduce the risks of local transmission. At the time of publication of this Alert, all bars and entertainment venues such as nightclubs, cinemas and games centres have been prohibited from operating. In addition, all gatherings involving more than 10 persons have been prohibited. Food and beverage, retail, and health and fitness businesses have been allowed to continue their operations (but with further precautionary measures)―for now. It is certain that these regulations will, and must, be tightened if the health crisis continues on its current trajectory.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.