58 fines issued to businesses and individuals during first week of post-circuit breaker Phase 1

In the first week of Singapore’s Phase 1 reopening following the end of the circuit breaker period, a total of 58 fines were issued to businesses and individuals due to breaching of safe distancing measures.

Inspections were carried out at workplaces, malls, and tourism establishments from 2 June to 8 June.

In a joint statement released by the Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), it was revealed that S$1,000 composition fines were issued to five businesses across retail, food and manufacturing after failing to enforce proper Safe Management Measures.

According to the statement, the reasons for the fines included not allowing employees to work from home where the job function allows for it, failing to implement at least one-metre safe distancing measures at workplaces and storefronts, and failing to comply with sector-specific requirements on retail sales.

The remaining 53 fines were issued to individuals – S$300 each – for reasons such as not wearing face masks, breaching the ban on social gatherings, as well as leaving their homes for non-essential purposes.

“We urge businesses to continue to comply with the safe distancing measures such as implementing SafeEntry, ensuring proper queue markings and crowd control during anticipated peak periods and ensuring that employees put on face masks properly at all times except during meals,” noted the agencies.

Members of the public were told to “remain vigilant” and cooperate with the implemented safe distancing measures that were set up by the establishments.

People are advised to wear masks whenever they are out as well as to avoid visiting supermarkets and malls in groups. The authorities also urged everyone to not loiter in malls or F&B outlets after work or school.

Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act passed in Parliament on 7 April 2020, first-time offenders will face a fine up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Subsequent offenders may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.