Written Answer by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng to PQ on Medical Certificate for Employees Who Self-Test ART Positive

NOTICE PAPER 1014 OF 2022

QUESTION NO. 1612 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether employers can compel employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 from ART self-testing but are well, to obtain a medical certificate; and (b) what recourse do employees have in such circumstances.

Answer:

1. MOM and the tripartite partners had issued an advisory to remind employers not to request employees who self-test ART-positive but are physically well or have mild symptoms to obtain a medical certificate for the purpose of taking paid sick leave. This will ensure that our healthcare capacity is not overloaded and is reserved to help those who truly need medical care.
2. While many employers have followed the tripartite advisory, we have received feedback that some employers are still not complying with the advisory. MOM and MOH have since reiterated that employees who are at low risk and have mild symptoms should recover at home instead of seeing a doctor to obtain a medical certificate. If any employer continues to insist on medical certificates, employees should report the matter to MOM for further action to be taken