TSMP Law Corporation Head of Construction and Engineering Derek Loh was quoted in a Reuters story published on 18 February 2020 on Singapore construction firms asking for advice about whether they have the option of invoking force majeure clauses in building contracts as the government turns away or quarantines Chinese labor to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

He said that five clients involved in public sector construction projects have approached him in recent weeks for advice on force majeure – which refers to unexpected external circumstances that prevent a party to a contract from meeting their obligations.

“These clients that have sought advice are largely those that employ Chinese labor,” he said.

The story was syndicated in the Business Times on 19 February 2020 and was given a blurb by Singapore Business Review on 20 February.