This is a new safety guidelines amidst a global health crisis where is is proven to be no joke, and the Singapore government is trying to keep everyone safe. In this new safety measure, those on a 5-day medical leave (MC) or 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) must wear a mask when going out to see a doctor.
Even though this is becoming obvious but somehow there are many may not have been doing it, which is why breaching the rule has now become a punishable offence, according to The Straits Times (ST) on Sunday (29 Mar).
According to The Strait Times, this is a new policy added by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the recent revision of the Infectious Diseases Act Saturday (28 Mar).
This rule is effective immediately, the offence will be punishable for the following groups, particularly those who are:
- serving SHN
- on 5-day MC for acute respiratory symptoms
- close contacts of Covid-19 cases & in self-isolation
These individuals are technically subject to movement control measures as they have to stay indoors at all times. They can only leave their homes to see doctor but they must wear a mask. For Those who fail to do so would be in breach of the law, and risk facing up to a $10,000 fine, 6-month jail term, or both.
So be responsible and wear a mask if you’re sick. We need to ensure that if we’re sick, we do not spread the virus around.