Standing too close to one another in Singapore could now land you in jail

People gathering in groups of more than 10 and without a 1-meter distance from each other in a crossed out photo dated March 23. Photo: Enterprise Singapore
People gathering in groups of more than 10 and without a 1-meter distance from each other in a crossed out photo dated March 23. Photo: Enterprise Singapore

Singapore is legally enforcing its safe distancing measures in a bid to minimize the further spread of COVID-19 in the country. 

Those who do not limit gatherings outside of work and school to less than 10 people and ensure at least one meter of physical distance in places like supermarkets and restaurants could face a S$10,000 fine and six months in jail. 

The new regulations were announced last night and came into effect at 11:59pm. It is not clear if they will be enforced on public transportation.

People given five-day medical leave from the clinics for acute respiratory symptoms are also not allowed to leave their homes without a valid reason or risk facing similar penalties. 

Coronavirus cases rose to 683 yesterday after 52 new cases were reported, of which 28 were classified as imported infections and 24 are locally transmitted cases. 

New cases include a 32-year-old doctor from the National Skin Centre, who tested positive yesterday. 

A new cluster of infections centering a preschool in Bedok North now has 20 cases linked to it – 15 are staff members and five are family members of case No. 601.  

One more staff from the Dover International School has contracted the disease, bringing the total infection linked to this school to four. 

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Singapore bars, cinemas, nightclubs to close till end-April due to COVID-19
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