SINGAPORE, Aug 3 (NNN-BERNAMA) — As Singapore gradually reopens its borders to international travel, it will introduce an additional measure to enhance compliance with the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) regime, aiming to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 by incoming travellers to the local community.
After 11.59pm on Aug 10, all incoming travellers, entering Singapore who are serving their SHN outside of SHN dedicated facilities (SDFs) will need to don an electronic monitoring device throughout the 14-day SHN.
These include Singapore citizens, Singapore permanent residents, long-term pass holders, work pass holders and their dependants.
However, those aged 12 and below will be exempted from this requirement.
This is according to the republic’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), in a joint statement issued here Monday.
Since March 21, 2020, all incoming travellers have to serve a 14-day SHN upon entering Singapore.
They serve their SHN either at their place of residence, or at SDFs, and are tested for COVID-19 at designated community testing facilities before the end of their SHN period.
On arrival in Singapore, the statement said, travellers serving their SHN at their place of residence will be issued with an electronic monitoring device at the checkpoints, after immigration clearance.
“They will need to activate the electronic monitoring device upon reaching their place of residence,” it said.
Those who fail to do so, including persons who tamper 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 may be a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months, said the statement.
For foreigners, it noted that the ICA or MOM may take further administrative actions, such as revoking, or shortening the validity of permits and passes to remain or work in Singapore.