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Blue skies, crystal clear waters, and sandy beaches make for the perfect island getaway.
While many in Singapore have boarded ferries to the southern islands to spend time with family and friends, some have been spotted breaking Covid-19 rules at what appears to be a Christmas party.
In video clips that circulated on Facebook on December 26, a group of about 10 men and women were seen having fun aboard a yacht on Lazaro Island, dressed in swimsuits and Santa hats.
None of them were seen wearing a face mask, a stark contrast to other visitors on the shore who wore them.
The clips soon made netizens question the lack of social distancing.
At the time of the alleged sighting, Singapore was still in Phase 2 of its reopening, where social gatherings of up to five people were allowed.
It is also mandatory for everyone to wear a mask outside their homes at all times, unless they are eating and drinking or exercising strenuously.
The latest incident took place despite recent reports of a group of visitors being punished for violating safe distancing measures in the Southern Islands.
They were caught having a gathering of 12 people while hopping from island to island on August 8, said the Singapore Land Authority that manages the islands. The incident came to light after one of them shared photos of the trip on Instagram.
[[nid:510468]]The group, consisting of 10 Britons, a Singaporean and a permanent resident of Singapore, was later indicted in court in October.
Several of them were fined $ 3,000 each for participating in an illegal gathering on Lazaro Island during the pandemic. Five of the convicted foreigners were also permanently banned from working in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower said in November.
Under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, first-time offenders can be fined up to $ 10,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $ 20,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both.
MPA investigating incident
In response to inquiries from AsiaOne, the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said on Wednesday (December 30) that it is currently investigating the incident.
“MPA takes a serious view of any breaches of COVID-19 regulations and will not hesitate to take action against such breaches,” added a spokesperson.
“MPA regularly patrols our waters. We urge the public, as well as boat owners and operators, to be responsible and comply with all COVID-19 safe handling measures, including wearing a mask and adhering to limits of passengers on board pleasure boats “.
In an advisory on December 24, MPA noted an increase in travel to the southern islands and Pulau Ubin and implemented safe distancing measures at the Marina South Pier and Changi Point ferry terminals.
Prior to the reopening of St John’s, Lazarus and Kusu Island beaches to the public on June 19, SLA had reminded visitors to be socially responsible. Execution agents and safe distancing ambassadors were also deployed to the islands to ensure compliance with safe distancing measures.
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