S$300 fine for flouting circuit breaker measures, no more warnings: Masagos

SINGAPORE: From Sunday (Apr 12), those caught breaking circuit breaker measures will all be fined S$300 instead of getting a written warning, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli has said.

“Enforcement Officers reported that there are still too many people not taking the circuit breaker measures seriously … stiffer penalties are clearly needed,” he said in a Facebook post on Saturday.

“From tomorrow, we will no longer issue written warnings. Any offender encountered by our Enforcement Officers will be asked for particulars immediately.”

READ: All beaches in Singapore closed as part of tougher COVID-19 measures: Lawrence Wong

READ: Wearing of masks to be made compulsory on public transport: Khaw Boon Wan

First-time offenders will face a S$300 fine and repeat offenders will get higher fines, or prosecution in court for “egregious cases”.

He added that 3,000 written stern warnings were issued on Saturday. As of Friday, 40 fines and more than 3,100 “stern warnings” were given to members of the public.

“The health and safety of Singaporeans are at risk. It is therefore our top priority and collective responsibility,” Mr Masagos said.

READ: Markets to refuse entry to people not wearing masks from Sunday: NEA

Authorities tightened circuit breaker measures further on Saturday, recommending that commuters wear masks on public transport and closing all beaches.

Markets will also refuse entry to people not wearing face masks and food outlets will face fines if their workers do not wear masks or face shields.

Earlier, selected areas in parks and nature reserves were closed, as well as stadiums and other public facilities.

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