More gov’t employees to work from home

The government is expanding its special work arrangements from Friday, citing the need to take extra steps to try to stop the fifth wave of coronavirus infections from spreading in a “tsunami-like manner”.

In a statement issued on Thursday, it urged government staff to work from home “as much as possible”, unless they are providing essential or emergency services, or involved in anti-epidemic work.

The administration said the latest measures must be implemented in order to reduce the number of people circulating in the community, as the Covid-19 situation deteriorates.

The special arrangement will last for at least a week until February 11, and authorities will continue to monitor the situation.

Private companies are also being encouraged to allow staff to work remotely.

The latest measure is a step up from what was announced just a week ago, when the government said that bureaux and departments would implement new special work arrangements “having regard to their operational needs”.