SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will deliver a ministerial statement on Monday (Aug 17) on how the Government will continue its support for workers and businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
"The COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated in many parts of the world. Since May, the total number of cases has tripled to 20 million. The global economy has taken a very severe hit, and the situation could get worse," Mr Heng said on Friday.
AdvertisementAdvertisementHe added that Singapore experienced its worst quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) performance on record in the second quarter.
"We have provided significant support for workers and businesses with almost US$100 billion over four Budgets, with more than half coming from our past reserves.
"However, given the global economic and health crisis, we are likely to see more job losses and retrenchments in the coming months, and it will be many more months before our economy recovers fully. Even then, it will not be back to business as usual," he said in a Facebook post.
He added that as Singapore gradually re-opens its economy, the recovery across industries is likely to be uneven and uncertain.
AdvertisementAdvertisement"We will continue to support our workers and firms through this crisis. But we are not able to sustain the same level of support indefinitely.
"As more sectors re-open gradually, we will have to evolve and taper the support provided. We will continue to provide targeted support to sectors that are hardest hit, including helping them pivot to new opportunities in growth areas.
"We are committed to walk this difficult journey with you. Together, we can overcome this crisis and emerge stronger as one people," he added.
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