58 fines issued by ESG and STB in the first week of Phase One post Circuit Breaker

MR No.: 044/20

Singapore, Tuesday, 9 June 2020

1. In the first week of Phase One post Circuit Breaker from 2 – 8 June, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) issued 58 fines to businesses and individuals following inspections done across workplaces, malls^[1], and tourism establishments.
   
   
2. Composition fines of S$1,000 each were issued to five businesses across retail, food and manufacturing for failing to enforce proper Safe Management Measures. Reasons for the fines include failure to direct employees to work from home where the job function allows for it, failure to implement at least one-metre safe distancing measures at the workplace premises and storefronts, as well as failure to comply with sector-specific requirements on retail sales. The 53 remaining composition fines of S$300 each were issued to individuals (including the public as well as employees of retail and F&B outlets). They were fined for not wearing masks, breaching the ban on social gatherings, and leaving their place of residence for non-essential purposes.

   
   Room for improvement for workplaces inspected
   

3. ESG also provided advice to 10 businesses on how they can further improve the implementation of safe management measures. Common areas for improvements include ensuring that employees did not socialise or congregate in groups at the workplace; having clearly demarcated safe distancing markings of at least one-metre in common areas; staggering of work hours; and providing an isolation room for those who are unwell. Employers should also note that working from home must be the default mode of working for companies resuming operations in Phase One and Two. Employees who have been working from home must continue to do so unless there is no alternative.
   
   
4. Companies may refer to updated guidelines and the full list of Safe Management Measures at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg.
   
   

   Malls to expect and gear up for larger crowds 

5. As more business, schools and workplaces reopen, malls and shops will need to gear up to manage larger numbers of people. We urge businesses to continue to comply with the safe distancing measures such as implementing SafeEntry, ensuring proper queue markings and crowd control during anticipated peak periods and ensuring that employees put on face masks properly at all times except during meals.
   
   
6. Members of the public are also reminded to remain vigilant, practise safe distancing and cooperate with the measures put in place by the establishments. They should continue to wear masks whenever they are out, avoid visiting supermarkets or malls in groups, and not loiter in and around malls or F&B outlets after school or work.
    
7. We take a serious view of any infringement of safe distancing measures and will not hesitate to take actions against non-compliant businesses and individuals. Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act passed in Parliament on 7 April 2020, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Subsequent offences may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both. Together, we can work towards the safe reopening of Phase 2 of our economy.

-End-