A 48-year-old Singapore Permanent Resident will be charged in court on 15 October 2021 under Section 64(b) of the Infectious Diseases Act for making a false declaration in his application to opt out of serving his Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated facilities.

Criteria for Travellers to Opt Out of SHN Dedicated Facilities

2.          Since 11 August 2020, all travellers serving SHN outside of dedicated facilities are required to wear an electronic monitoring device throughout their SHN period. With this enhanced surveillance regime, the Government is able to adopt a more risk-based approach to allow travellers from selected countries/regions^[1] who by default have to serve SHN at dedicated facilities, to serve their SHN at a suitable place of residence if they fulfil the following criteria:

a.    The traveller has not travelled to any other country/region apart from the selected countries/regions in the 14 consecutive days prior to entering Singapore; and

b.    The traveller is occupying his or her place of residence (i.e. residential address) alone, or only with household members who share the same travel history and are serving SHN of the same duration.

Case of Lu Yi Yin

3.          On his arrival at Changi Airport on 14 July 2021, Lu Yi Yin (“Lu”) allegedly declared that he would be occupying his place of residence alone or with household members with the same travel history as him and serving their SHN during the same period. The physical declaration form was submitted to an ICA officer. He was subsequently served with a SHN from 14 July 2021 to 28 July 2021.

4.          On 15 July 2021, enforcement officers conducted checks at Lu’s place of residence. Besides Lu, there were two other household members who did not share the same travel history as him staying in the same place.

Firm Enforcement Action Against False Declarations and Breach of SHN Requirements

5.          The authorities would like to remind members of the public to submit truthful and accurate information for all health, travel and SHN-related declarations. Firm enforcement action will be taken against those found to have made false declarations. 

6.          Strict compliance with SHN requirements is key to safeguarding the health and safety of our population. All travellers who opt to serve their SHN at their place of residence must remain there at all times. Their movements will be monitored through electronic monitoring and random physical checks.

7.          Persons who make false declarations in seeking to opt out of SHN dedicated facilities are liable to be prosecuted for offences under the Infectious Diseases Act. Those who fail to comply with SHN requirements, including persons who tamper with and/or remove the electronic monitoring device during the SHN period, will be liable to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020. The penalty for such an offence is imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine of up to S$10,000. Foreigners may face further administrative actions by ICA and/or MOM, such as revoking, or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain/work in Singapore.

8.          Members of the public can report information about anyone who fails to comply with SHN requirements to ICA at go.gov.sg/reportshnbreach or 6812 5555.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

15 OCTOBER 2021