13 People Under Investigation for Breaching COVID-19 Rules After Police Raid at Ubi Office Unit

It would appear that people are not learning from past instances.

So lest you’re unaware, it’s a crime to gather in a group of more than 8 during this time. Because of, you know, the pandemic.

And though there have been numerous reports of such behaviour, as well as their consequent punishments, somehow the same thing always seem to happen again and again.

13 People Under Investigation for Breaching COVID-19 Rules After Police Raid at Ubi Office Unit

According to The Straits Times, 13 individuals are currently being investigated for the possible violation of COVID-19 safe distancing rules.

Apparently, five men and eight women were caught socialising and consuming alcohol on an office unit in Ubi Road 2.

Karaoke equipment was also found on-site.

The incident only came to light when police raided the premises.

According to the news report, both the public entertainment and the liquor were supplied without legitimate licensing.

The operator of the venue is currently under investigations as well.

Meanwhile, the police has since warned the public to take safe distancing measures seriously.

“Those found engaging in illicit activities, or in breach of safe distancing measures, will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law,” they added.

Violations

For violating safe distancing measures, offenders can face an imprisonment term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

For supplying public entertainment and liquor without legitimate licensing, offenders could face a fine of up to S$40,000 ($20,000 for each offence).

Investigations are currently ongoing.

Over the last couple of months, both operators and individuals have been guilty of flouting COVID-19 rules.

OneService App

To further curb such instances, an app has been developed to expose such acts.

Called OneService, it’s said to have a “dedicated function for reporting cases where safe distancing is not being practised”.

“The information provided will help the relevant agencies to know where the “hotspots” are,” a report stated. “Which require further enforcement and patrolling action.”

Though before you start being paranoid, don’t fret (that much). According to the Ministry of Health (MOH)’s FAQs, enforcement officers will assess the facts of each case carefully, including whether there are reasonable explanations for any compliance.

Simply put, do your part and you’ll be fine.

Updated Rules

Meanwhile, new rules have been instilled in light of the cluster over at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

Malls, attractions, and large standalone stores, for instance, will have a capped number of personnel from 1 to 14 May.

Residents have also been encouraged to avoid more than two social gatherings a day.

The government has since expressed its hope to avoid a second circuit breaker.

We’ll just have to do our part to avoid repeating the events of last year.

Feature Image: Bonma Suriya / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purpose only)