Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Requirements) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, the police are investigating 15 people aged 21 to 30 for suspected non-compliance with safe distance measures.
On June 23, 2020, at around 2.25 a.m., the Police got a report that individuals were entering and departing a pub on Serangoon Garden Way. Officers came to find 15 people reportedly congregating in the tavern.
Used as private gathering
The pub was not in operation at the time and was allegedly utilized for a private gathering amongst the 15 people.
An individual must not gather with any other individual outside of the individual’s ordinary place of residence for a purpose that is not performing work in a cohort of more than five people, according to Regulation 6(1) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 on the prohibition of social gatherings.
Thirteen persons, aged between 21 and 30, will be charged in court on 6 September 2021 with Regulation 6(1) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, which is an offence punishable under Section 34(7)(a) of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020. The offence carries a fine not exceeding $10,000, an imprisonment term not exceeding six months, or both.
Investigations into the remaining two persons, aged 26 and 30, are ongoing.
What they might face:
First-time offenders who breach safe distancing measures are fined $300.
For non-compliance with safe management measures under the COVID-19 offenders may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$10,000, or both.
If they are caught by the Police for not wearing a mask or not wearing a mask properly they can be charged under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.
Penalties include a fine of up to SGD$10,000 and jailed for up to six months.