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SINGAPORE: Police are investigating eight travelers who made false statements in their requests to opt out of delivering their COVID-19 stay-at-home notice at specialized facilities.
The eight comprise four Singaporeans, two permanent residents and two long-term pass holders.
The travelers arrived in Singapore from South Korea and Thailand between November 5 and 12, the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) and Singapore Police (SPF) said on Thursday (November 19).
Since November 4, travelers from South Korea and Thailand have been allowed to deliver their 14-day stay-at-home notice at their place of residence rather than at dedicated facilities.
READ: More Travelers, Including Japan and Thailand, May Deliver COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Notice at Place of Residence
To do so, travelers must not have visited other countries or regions in the last 14 days before entering Singapore.
They must also occupy the place of residence alone, or only with household members with the same travel history who are serving a stay-at-home notice of the same duration.
Prior to their arrival in Singapore, the eight travelers submitted applications to opt out of delivering their stay-at-home notice to specialized facilities.
“In their applications, they had stated that they would be occupying their place of residence alone, or only with household members with the same travel history and that they would send a notice to stay at home for the same duration,” ICA and SPF said.
When law enforcement officers conducted the checks, they found that travelers were staying with household members who were not complying with a stay-at-home notice.
All eight were taken to special home notification facilities and their cases turned over to the police.
READ: COVID-19 – Travelers who deliver an off-premises stay-at-home notice after entering Singapore must use an electronic device
“If convicted, we will review the immigration status of the four non-Singaporeans, with a view to revoking their public relations status, or canceling or shortening the validity of their reentry permit and / or long-term passes,” ICA and SPF said.
The other household members also received a stay-at-home notice, the agencies added.
“ACTION OF FIRM COMPLIANCE”
As of August 11, travelers who comply with their stay-at-home notice outside of the dedicated facility must use an electronic monitoring device.
READ: More than 3,500 electronic wristband devices issued to travelers who receive notices of stay at home – ICA
“With this improved surveillance regime, the government was able to take a more risk-based approach and allow travelers from selected countries or regions to choose not to deliver their 14-day stay-at-home notice at dedicated stay-at-home notice facilities. at home, and serve it in a suitable place of residence instead, “said ICA and SPF.
The agencies reminded the public to take all statements related to health, travel, and stay-at-home notices seriously, and to present truthful and accurate information.
“Firm enforcement measures will be taken against those found to have made false statements,” they said.
“Strict compliance with the stay-at-home notification requirements is key to safeguarding the health and safety of our population. All travelers who choose to deliver their stay-at-home notification at their place of residence must remain there in at all times. Their movements will be monitored through electronic monitoring and random physical controls. “
Those who make false statements by choosing not to participate in the dedicated stay-at-home notification facilities could be jailed or fined.
For failing to comply with the stay-at-home notification requirements, including tampering with or disposing of the electronic monitoring device during the period of stay at home, individuals could be imprisoned for up to six months and fined up to S $ 10,000.
For foreigners, ICA or the Ministry of Labor can take additional measures such as revoking or shortening the validity of their passes to stay in Singapore.
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