Man Jailed for Leaving Residence When on 5-Day MC; Even Lied to MOH Officer

Just two days ago, we wrote about how this man in Singapore is the first to be fined for leaving home while on his 5-day MC.

He was “sabo-ed” by his own son and was eventually fined $5,000.

And now, just two days later, we’ve moved past getting charged to getting jailed.

Man Jailed for Leaving Residence When on 5-Day MC; Even Lied to MOH Officer

On 7 Aug 2020, Singapore Permanent Resident Chong Tet Choe was sentenced to two weeks’ jail.

To find out why, we’ll have to travel back in time to 29 April, 3 weeks after we found out that Circuit Breaker isn’t just a box at home.

Chong went to Summit Medical Clinic in Jurong due to coughs and body aches.

He was given 5 days of sick leave and was given an MC that states explicitly that he has to stay home.

Not only that, but his doctor had also taken the time to explain that this MC is different from the usual ones, and it’s actually a Stay-Home-Notice.

Now, you’re thinking, that’s clear cut; you can also catch up on the latest Channel 8 drama.

But that’s not what happened.

Left Home 4 Times Throughout The Five Days

On the first day, Chong got people who lived in the same block as him to deliver food to him.

But on the second, third and fourth day, he decided to leave the hostel to buy food and top up his prepaid line.

Then, he decided that it was prudent to lie to the Ministry of Health (MOH).

During the initial stage of his investigation, he told the MOH officer that he only left home once.

Chong eventually confessed after the authorities showed him proof that he had left his residence four times.

He had pleaded for leniency, saying that he is supporting his siblings and was eventually sentenced to two weeks’ jail.

Which is considerably light considering that he could be jailed up to six months, fined up to $1,000, or both for each charge.

He had pleaded guilty to three charges under the Infectious Diseases Act and had another similar charge considered for sentencing.

35% Of Patients On 5-Day MC Continued With Usual Activities

According to MOH, 35 per cent of patients who were given 5-day MCs continued with their usual activities after showing symptoms and before being isolated:

• Nearly 50% went back to work
• Many more continued going out to shopping centres, supermarkets and hawker centres

The rules are in place for a reason, MOH says, and that’s to protect loved ones and other people in the community.

In short: Please obey them or we’ll give you one time good one.