Things you need to talk about with your helper during the Covid-19 outbreak

With Singapore recording well beyond 500 cases of Covid-19, it is time to have a talk (if you haven't already!) with one of the most important members of your family: your domestic helper.
Even though government mandates and rules for maids in Singapore have not changed since the outbreak, and they are still allowed to have their rest days out of the homes of their employers, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) "strongly encourages Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) to spend their rest day at home during this period."
Talk to your maid about the possibility of exploring her rest days at home instead of going out, for her safety and yours.
“In view of the introduction of social distancing measures, we strongly encourage FDWs (Foreign Domestic Workers) to spend their rest day at home during this period,” the MOM notes in an advisory released recently.
Meanwhile, Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo, took to Facebook to share her gratitude on an instance of social responsibility practised by her family’s domestic helper, Carmen.
“For over 20 years since she came into our lives, Carmen has been going to church on Sundays,” noted Minister Teo. “This morning, she decided to stay home and take part in the service through live streaming.”
[embed]https://www.facebook.com/Josephine.LM.Teo/photos/a.625906960816936/3614610368613232/?type=3&theater[/embed]
Discuss with your helper and reach a mutual arrangement with regard to how she spends her rest days safely. Help her understand your concerns and that this is a temporary arrangement to safeguard her and the family against possible risks during this period.
The MOM recommends that helpers postpone home leave until the global pandemic “situation stabilises.”
ALSO READ: Employers must notify MOM of workers returning from China
Discuss with your helper if this can be enforced, and if any plans to travel back to her homeland made previously can be rescheduled for another time. In the case of emergencies, helpers should be informed of the new Stay-home Notice (SHN) imposed on all arrivals upon their return.
There are a few measures that the whole family must follow to minimise the risk of contracting the Covid-19 infection.
Discuss with your helper and ensure that she is aware of the practices that any caregiver of babies, young children and the elderly should pay particular attention to during this outbreak.
Discuss these guidelines with your helper in order to protect herself and those under her care:
As a general practice, encourage everyone in the household, including your helper, to take their temperature at least twice a day, and check for any respiratory symptoms.
Remind your helper to be especially alert, and highlight to you any unusual respiratory symptoms about those under her care who may not be able to appropriately communicate for themselves, such as young children, and the elderly.
[[nid:478667]]
The MOM mandates a 14-day SHN for all new FDW’s, at an alternative accommodation such as dormitories, hostels or hotels.
The helper would also have to have a Singapore mobile number with an internet connection and with WhatsApp installed, and be contactable by the MOM, and comply with all SHN rules and regulations.
Further, you should arrange for her to reach her accommodation to serve out her SHN as soon as she arrives at the airport, as well as arrange for food and daily essentials to be sent to her throughout the SHN.
For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.
This article was first published in theAsianparent.