How we will get through this as a community

Amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease or COVID-19 across the globe, and with the World Health Organization recently declaring it a pandemic, it’s hard for anyone to predict how the situation will pan out. While it’s natural to feel anxious about the future, let us focus on what we can do as a community to get through this challenging time. After all, the adage is true: We are stronger together.

Here are 5 relief and support measures to help alleviate your worries and help you lighten the burden during this time, so you can continue doing the best for yourself and your family no matter what comes your way.

1. Keeping your home with deferred home loan repayments

If you are part of an industry impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, losing your home due to a drop in your monthly income should not be one of your worries during this time.

With the Home Loan Payment Relief, you can defer repayment of your principal amount for 6 months, and only pay the interest amount during this same six-month period. Through this, the financial load during the months of uncertainty is taken off you, and you only need to repay when you’re on your feet financially again.

You are eligible for this if you have a good loan repayment history, work in the food and beverage, hospitality, retail, tourism (this includes taxi drivers, travel agencies and those in aviation), or transport industries, and your monthly income has seen a reduction during the outbreak.

Apply for the Home Loan Payment Relief here.

2. Support for local businesses: Small to medium enterprises get help, too

With the demand for various goods and services decreasing dramatically since the onset of the outbreak, meeting cash flow needs becomes the top priority for many SME business owners.

To help businesses cope, we’ve rolled out a range of short term liquidity relief measures, such as rebate for FAST/PayNow transaction fees, export trade fee rebate, access to a temporary bridging loan, which allows your business to borrow up to S$1,000,000 with flexible repayment periods of up to 5 years and many more. Learn about them here.

3. Be socially responsible: Know which taxi you hailed off the street

We’re working with ComfortDelGro to extend contact tracing coverage for all taxis hailed off the street. Through this measure, you can have peace of mind that each ride you take can be traced and recorded quickly, and also help authorities facilitate contact tracing in the unfortunate event of a confirmed case of the virus.

All you need to do is download and pay for your taxi ride through the ComfortDelGro mobile app. Going cashless also contributes to better hygiene, as you need not come into contact with notes and coins.

4. Consulting a doctor from the comfort of your home

Many have taken to staying at home during this period of heightened awareness. And if you’re unwell, the idea of leaving home to line up at a clinic is stressful just to think about.

Accessing healthcare shouldn’t be a hurdle, and that’s where telemedicine comes in. Telemedicine refers to the remote delivery of medical care and services using telecommunications technology, where you can consult healthcare professionals online, as long as you are connected on your computer or mobile phone. And after your consultation, your prescribed medication may be delivered on the same day, right to your doorstep. It’s simple and safe, reducing contact risk for you and others.

With this in mind, we’ve partnered doctors and telemedicine providers to give you and your loved ones access to healthcare support, from the comfort of home. Get more information here.

The spread of COVID-19 around the world may have impacted you in unexpected ways, but know that you are not alone. Stay healthy and keep your mind on the good things. As a community, we can help each other get through this period.