Another 200 cases of people fined for flouting safe distancing rules

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SINGAPORE — More than 200 fines will be imposed on people who failed to comply with enhanced safe distancing rules, the authorities said on Monday (April 13).

The police had to get involved in more than 10 of these cases because members of the public were not cooperative, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) said in a statement.

The majority of the offenders were caught on Monday, with a few on Sunday. On Sunday itself, there were 200 cases of such offences.

In one such case on Monday, a woman was found sitting at a seat that was marked not for use as she ate takeaway food. This was at a food centre at Block 117 Aljunied Avenue 2. The police had to step in because she refused to leave or provide her particulars, the ministry added.

Since Sunday, people who were seen loitering, using facilities or other areas that have been cordoned or closed off, were fined.

They included a group of people playing at an open field in Tanjong Rhu, a small group of people playing tennis at the closed Tanglin Tennis Academy on Turf Club Road, and another group playing baseball in a closed private field at Tanglin Rugby Club, also on Turf Club Road, the ministry said.

On Monday, more than 2,900 enforcement officers were deployed to ensure that members of the public abided by the safe distancing regulations to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

MEWR reminded the public that only enforcement officers can take action against individuals for breaching safe distancing rules.

These officers can be seen wearing the corporate attire and lanyard of their respective agencies, it added.

Any member of the public who is caught ignoring the rules or who refuses to comply with directions given by an enforcement officer will be asked for his or her particulars.

These individuals will not be asked to make payment of the fine on the spot. They will get hard-copy notices of the penalty either on site or through the mail.

Therefore, offenders should not hand over any cash to individuals who claim to be enforcement officers, the ministry cautioned.

For breaking the rules, first-time offenders will be fined S$300. Repeat offenders will get higher fines or prosecution in court for egregious cases.

MEWR reminded the public again on Monday that they should continue to adhere to the enhanced safe distancing measures, such as wearing a mask when going out, not loitering in public spaces, and getting food delivered or ordering take-out rather than dining in.

For the latest information on the regulations, the public should check out the websites of MEWR and the Ministry of Health.