As part of efforts to clamp down on the coronavirus outbreak in Singapore, the government introduced a series of circuit breaker measures that took into effect on 7 April.
Among these include the closure of non-essential businesses and retailers and the ban on dine-in at food and beverage establishments.
These are aimed at minimising social gatherings of any kind. However, there will still be the stubborn few who choose to have private parties at home.
Everything About the New Proposed Law That’ll Jail People Who Have Any Gathering or Parties
Are Singaporeans still having private gatherings? No problemo, just throw them in jail to guarantee immediate social isolation.
A set of laws has been passed in Parliament on Tuesday that bans social gatherings of any size in both private and public spaces while Singapore battles the coronavirus outbreak.
According to TODAYOnline, during the debate on the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that the laws would include any private parties or gatherings among family members or friends who are not living together at home or in public spaces like parks and the void decks of public housing estates.
The Bill will give a legal basis for the Government to enforce the enhanced safe-distancing measures that were implemented.
Basically, if irresponsible people still feel the need to go against the law, they can be fined or jailed.
A Ministry of Health spokesperson said the government will “disallow social gatherings, such as private parties and social get-togethers with friends and relatives.”
But what about your elderly loved ones who need your assistance? Don’t fret, grandma won’t be left in the lurch.
The spokesperson also said that “individuals can still visit family members for assistance with their daily needs, such as caring for elderly parents or for informal childcare arrangements.”
Enforcement Officers Can Take Action
Without the bill, you might’ve gotten a disapproving stare for flouting safe distancing measures, but now, enforcement action can actually be taken against individuals, business owners or entities who fail to abide by the orders and requirements.
Enforcement officers will include police officers, public officers and health officers appointed under the Infectious Disease Act.
Banning Social Gatherings Of ALL Sizes
Lest you’re unaware, recently the government banned social gatherings with more than 10 people. This new Bill will essentially ban all social gatherings of any size.
“This enables us to better regulate events and gatherings, including those that take place on private properties. For example, we had earlier required certain events and mass gatherings to be deferred or cancelled. We will now also disallow social gatherings of any size in both private and public spaces.”
And yes, this will also apply to common areas like void decks and shared facilities in Housing and Development Board estates and private condominiums.
Aimed At Those Who Still Loiter Around
The Bill is aimed at those who still fail to abide by the safe distancing measures enforced at food and beverage establishments like coffee shops or supermarkets.
For instance, those who still loiter in groups in public areas instead of going home.
“For our enhanced safe-distancing measures to work, we need members of the public to take the measures seriously. Therefore, failure to adhere to the measures without a reasonable justification will constitute an offence,” he added.
Penalties
The penalties are aligned with those under the Infectious Diseases Act. For first-time offenders, the penalty is a fine of up to $10,000 imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
For second or subsequent offences, the penalty is a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
Lastly, the circuit breaker that is supposed to last till 4 May will be reviewed once it has ended to determine whether there is a need to extend it.
In Summary: Stay at home so can overcome this virus ASAP, or risk getting fined, thrown into jail or both.
