The Singapore government recognizes that fighting the COVID-19 virus outbreak has been a tough battle.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in Parliament today (February 28) that officials at the front of this COVID-19 battle will receive a “special bonus” of up to an additional month.
According to Mr. Heng, the frontline staff will include many health officials in restructured hospitals and the Ministry of Health, as well as some officials in other frontline agencies directly involved in the fight against COVID-19.
“Our front-line employees have shown outstanding courage and commitment. They are out there and make sacrifices every day to wage this war against the unknown, ”said Heng.
"Although we cannot thank them enough, we can show our appreciation and support in a tangible way," he said during his speech on the budget debate.
Other officials who have made a significant contribution are recognized "appropriately", he added.
As a sign of solidarity with the Singaporeans who are dealing with the outbreak, all political officials, including President Halimah Yacob and MPs, will cut their salaries by one month.
Some senior civil servants will also cut their salaries by half a month.
PHP hospitals (Public Health Preparedness) also receive a one-time COVID-19 grant to support them in their active role in caring for patients with respiratory symptoms.
Selected image source: AFP
