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SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man was indicted in court on Friday (March 19) under the Infectious Diseases Act for making false statements in his application to choose not to deliver his stay-at-home notice in a dedicated facility.
Vijeyakumar Z Joseph, 58, arrived at Changi Airport on November 22, 2020, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a press release.
He allegedly stated in a physical declaration form that he did not travel to another country or region other than the countries and regions listed on ICA’s SafeTravel website (Fiji, Finland, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Turkey) within 14 days. consecutive previous ones. to enter Singapore. The form was sent to an ICA official.
However, Vijeyakumar was returning from Jakarta, Indonesia, which was not on the list.
He also reportedly stated that he would occupy his place of residence alone or with members of his household with the same travel history as him and that he would comply with his notice to stay at home for the same period.
As of August 11, 2020, all travelers meeting their stay-at-home notice outside of dedicated facilities must use an electronic monitoring device during the stay-at-home notice period. With this, the Singapore government was able to allow travelers from select locations to choose not to deliver their stay-at-home notice to specialized facilities.
Instead, travelers can serve it in a suitable place of residence if they have not traveled to any other country or region apart from those selected in the 14 consecutive days prior to entering Singapore.
Travelers were also allowed to opt out of staying in a dedicated facility if they were occupying their place of residence alone or with household members who share the same travel history and are serving their stay-at-home notice for the same duration.
Later, Vijeyakumar delivered his stay-at-home notice from November 22, 2020 to December 6, 2020, ICA said.
Law enforcement officers conducted checks at his place of residence in Ang Mo Kio on November 25, 2020. They allegedly found him living with two other members of the household, his older brother and his father, who did not share the same travel history as he.
Vijeyakumar was charged on Friday and his case was postponed until April 9, 2021.
If convicted under the Infectious Diseases Act, Vijeyakumar can face a fine of up to S $ 10,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.
REMINDERS TO TRAVELERS WHO SEND “TRUE AND ACCURATE” INFORMATION
“The authorities would like to remind the public to submit truthful and accurate information for all statements related to health, travel and stay-at-home notices,” ICA said. “Firm enforcement measures will be taken against those who have made false statements.”
All travelers who choose to deliver their stay-at-home notice to their place of residence must remain there at all times. Their movements will also be monitored by electronic monitoring and random physical checks.
Those who make false statements to opt out of the dedicated stay-at-home notification facility will be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act.
Individuals who do not comply with the stay-at-home notification requirements, including those who tamper with or remove the electronic monitoring device during their stay-at-home notification period, will be processed under the Infectious Diseases Regulations (COVID-19 – Suspension Orders) 2020.
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