One British national and two Singapore citizens will be charged in court on 15 January 2021 for offences pertaining to Stay-Home Notice (SHN) requirements.

2.        The British national will be charged under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020 and COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, while his Singaporean fiancée will be charged for an offence under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020 read with Section 109 of the Penal Code, for abetting his breach of SHN requirements. The other Singaporean will be charged under Section 21A of the Infectious Diseases Act.

Wilful Breach of SHN requirements

Case of a British national and his Singaporean fiancée

3.        A British national was serving an SHN at a hotel when he left his room without wearing a mask on three occasions on 21 September 2020 in breach of the prescribed requirements. On the last occasion, the male subject was with his Singaporean fiancée, who was not subjected to an SHN, but had booked a different room in the same hotel. 

Case of a Singaporean returning from Batam

4.        After returning to Singapore on 17 March 2020, a Singaporean was served with an SHN. Instead of proceeding to the declared SHN address on the same day, he took a bus and wandered around Geylang Serai before spending the night at a Bedok housing estate.

5.        The man also went back to work as a security officer during the period of 18 March to 24 March 2020 without informing his company or manager of his SHN. During the 14-day SHN period, the man also spent time at various public places.

Importance of Complying with SHN Requirements

6.        To safeguard our community’s health and safety, everyone needs to play their part and comply with the SHN requirements. All travellers are to comply with the prevailing public health regulations and requirements in Singapore. More information on the prevailing SHN and swab requirements for travellers can be found on SafeTravel’s website.

7.        Those who fail to comply, including persons who tamper with and/or remove the electronic monitoring device during the SHN period, will be liable to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020. The penalty may be a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months. Foreigners may face further administrative actions by ICA and/or MOM, such as revoking, or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain/work in Singapore.

8.        Members of the public can report information about anyone who fails to comply with SHN requirements to ICA at go.gov.sg/reportshnbreach or call 6812 5555.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
15 January 2021