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SINGAPORE: About 700 fines have been issued to people who found smoking in prohibited areas between the start of the “circuit breaker” on April 7 and May 6, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Wednesday (13 of May).
This is a 65 percent decrease from the nearly 2,000 tickets issued in the same period last year.
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However, NEA said there has been a 20 percent increase in compliance measures taken in common areas such as corridors, staircases and empty decks of residential properties compared to the same period last year.
“These areas are generally not located near smoking corners, so the increase does not appear to be related to the closure of designated smoking areas and smoking corners during this period,” the agency said.
“NEA would like to remind members of the public that smoking is prohibited in common corridors, empty decks, stairways, and covered hallways of public housing.”
Singapore has been in its COVID-19 breaker period for more than a month, which has lasted until June 1.
READ: COVID-19: Singapore makes ‘decisive move’ to close most workplaces and impose comprehensive home learning for schools, says Prime Minister Lee
In addition to closing schools and most workplaces, the authorities had also introduced stricter distancing measures, such as closing more businesses. Residents should stay home as much as possible and only go out for the essentials. It is mandatory to wear a mask when leaving the house.
READ: COVID-19: Leave only for essential needs, don’t make it a “family outing,” Singapore leaders say
CLOSED SMOKING CORNERS
During the circuit breaker period, all designated smoking areas along the Orchard Road (NSZ) non-smoking zone are closed.
All smoking nooks in Singapore, such as those in coffee shops and street vendor centers, have also been closed.
NEA said it will continue enforcement action against people who violate safe distance measures and those who smoke in prohibited areas.
“Leaving the house just to smoke is not an essential purpose. However, if one is out for essential purposes and wants to smoke, they can do so in an area where smoking is not prohibited under the smoking ban law (for example, public outdoor parking or open space in housing estates), with the mask removed, “the agency said.
“However, one should put the mask back on immediately after smoking and maintain a safe distance of at least 1 meter from others.”
The proper composition for smoking in prohibited areas is S $ 200. Those caught violating safe distance measures face a fine of S $ 300.
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