76 caught breaching Covid-19 rules at hawker centres; 20 patrons not fully vaccinated found dining out: NEA

SINGAPORE — Enforcement action has been taken against 76 people for Covid-19-related violations at various hawker centres across Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Wednesday (Nov 3).

It is part of the agency’s stepped-up enforcement action that was conducted from Oct 25 to 31 against those in breach of safety regulations.

Among the offences found by the authorities include people who had gathered in groups of more than two, those who had not maintained a safe distance of at least 1m as well as those who were found not wearing masks.

“Masks must be properly worn over the nose and mouth when one is not eating or drinking,” NEA said.

Separately, the agency said that enforcement action was taken from Oct 20 against people who infringe vaccine-related infection controls, which were extended to hawker centres from Oct 13.

Under these rules, only people who are fully vaccinated can eat out at hawker centres in groups of two. Unvaccinated children aged 12 and below may also be part of the group of two.

Between Oct 27 and Nov 2, the authorities found 20 unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people dining at hawker centres during selective checks by safe distancing enforcement officers.

Their particulars were then taken down.

NEA said that first-time offenders at hawker centres will be given a written warning, but second-time offenders will face a fine of S$300.

People with subsequent offences may face composition or court fines.

It stressed that diners who refuse to show enforcement officers their vaccination status on the TraceTogether mobile application or provide their TraceTogether token to be scanned will also have their particulars taken down.

NEA said that members of the public are reminded to strictly adhere to these vaccine-related controls as well as Covid-19 safety rules when at hawker centre.

“We seek everyone’s cooperation in the transition towards a Covid-19 resilient nation,” it added.