Source: CNA/jt(rw)
SINGAPORE: Individuals, event organisers and owners of premises who break rules meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Singapore could face jail terms and fines under new regulations that came into effect at 11.59pm on Thursday (Mar 26).
Those who breach their stay-home notice will also face similar penalties.
The regulations, which come under the Infectious Diseases Act, will give legal force to the safe-distancing measures announced by the COVID-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce, and provide "enhanced enforcement" for breaches of the stay-home notice, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release.
Those found guilty of breaching the safe-distancing rules may be jailed up to six months, or fined up to S$10,000, or both, MOH said.
As previously announced, starting from Friday,
gatherings outside of work or school are limited to 10 people, who must maintain 1m distance from each other. This applies in settings where "interactions are non-transient", such as at supermarkets, restaurants and shopping malls.
Owners of premises and event organisers must ensure that non-fixed seating is at least 1m away from any other seat at all times. If seats are fixed to the floor, alternate seats need to be demarcated as a seat not to be occupied.
In public places where queues are formed, such as at retail stores or supermarkets, individuals need to stand 1m apart in the queue.
Business owners and event organisers who do not abide by these regulations may be jailed up to six months, or fined up to S$10,000, or both.
Individuals who intentionally sit on demarcated seats or stand in a queue less than 1m away from another individual could also face the above penalties