Covid-19: Police investigating 12-person gathering in Scotts Road hotel room

SINGAPORE — The authorities are investigating 12 people for allegedly gathering in a hotel room to socialise and drink alcohol earlier this month, in violation of Covid-19 safe distancing regulations. 

Two of them were also arrested for allegedly punching and using vulgarities on police officers.

The police said on Wednesday (July 28) that they received information of a gathering in a guest room of a hotel along Scotts Road on July 4, but they did not name the hotel.

When officers arrived, they found eight men and four women — aged between 16 and 28 — allegedly socialising and consuming alcohol inside the room.

All 12 will be investigated for alleged non-compliance with Covid-19 safe distancing regulations. The maximum size of social gatherings allowed in Singapore at the time was five people.

One of them, a 24-year-old man, purportedly tried to escape by punching an officer in the face. He was arrested for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty.

Another 23-year-old man, who allegedly used vulgarities on the officers, was arrested for using abusive language against a public servant.

Investigations are ongoing.

The police advised members of the public to take the Covid-19 laws seriously.

“The police take a stern view of abusive behaviour against public servants and irresponsible behaviour relating to the flouting of safe distancing measures. Offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” they added.

Those found guilty of voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servants from their duty may face jail time of up to seven years, a fine, or caning.

Those found guilty of using abusive words against public servants may be jailed for up to 12 months or fined up to S$5,000, or both.

Under Covid-19 laws, anyone found not to be wearing a mask or not wearing a mask properly outside their place of residence may face a maximum fine of $10,000 or up to six months' jail, or both.