A 45-year-old Singapore Permanent Resident will be charged in court on 1 April 2021 under Sections 64(b) and 21A of the Infectious Diseases Act for: (a) making a false declaration in his application to opt out of serving his Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated facilities; and (b) exposing others to the potential risk of infection at his place of residence.

Criteria for Travellers to Opt Out of 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 was able to adopt a more risk-based approach and allow travellers from selected countries/regions^[1] to opt out of serving their 14-day SHN at dedicated facilities, and to instead serve it at a suitable place of residence if they fulfil the following criteria:

1. 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
2. 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 Ko Kyung Ho

3.         On his arrival at Changi Airport on 25 November 2020, Ko Kyung Ho 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 duration. The physical declaration form was submitted to an ICA officer. He was served with an SHN from 25 November 2020 to 9 December 2020.

4.         On 26 November 2020, enforcement officers conducted checks at Ko Kyung Ho’s place of residence. There were three other household members who did not share the same travel history as him in the place of residence. In addition, there were nine house movers who were not members of his family or household moving items into his place of residence.

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 dedicated SHN 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
1 APRIL 2021