Approximately 1,600 National Servicemen (NSF) trainees will be affected by the circuit breaker period, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced.

Stay at home because of circuit breaker

The Police Officers Basic Course (POBC) and the Basic Rescue Training (BRT) for all full-time NSFs, at the Home Team Academy (HTA) and the National Service Training Institute (NSTI) respectively, will be suspended from April 7 to May 4.

During this period, these 1,600 NSF trainees from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have to stay at home and remain contactable at all times.

They can head out only for essential activities, like the rest of the regular civilians.

Allowance and ORD not affected

The suspension period will count towards the trainees’ full-time National Service (NS), and their Operationally Ready Date will not be affected.

The trainees will continue to be eligible for NS allowance and medical benefits during this period.

SPF and SCDF will manage any operational impact arising from the suspension of basic training, the statement added.

Other training activities for NSFs, such as the Officer Cadet Training for SPF and SCDF trainees will continue with enhanced precautionary measures, as these activities are essential to ensure the Home Team can keep up with its daily responsibilities.

MHA is monitoring the Covid-19 situation closely, and will continually review measures to keep our Home Team officers safe, while ensuring the Home Team’s operational effectiveness.

Top photo via screenshot of video from SCDF/Facebook