The Real Cost: Breaking COVID-19 Social Distancing Rules

We usually calculate the cost of lifestyle products, daily essentials and even pet ownership, but this time, we decided to get real and get you the actual cost of breaking COVID-19 rules in Singapore.

You’ve heard the old adage, ‘Singapore is a fine city’. So, you know that there’s a cost to everything — even breaking COVID-19 rules. 

But do not be mistaken; this isn’t an article that preaches ‘do what you want, just don’t get caught’, but more of a cautionary tale to encourage you and your loved ones to play by the book. The moral consequences far outweigh the benefits of flouting rules. Take fines and jail terms out of the picture, imagine if you’ve contracted the virus and unknowingly spread it to your ageing parents or children — that guilt would last a lifetime. 

From not wearing a face mask to hosting large house parties and more, if you’re as curious as I was, and wondered what it costs to flout COVID-19 rules, and if anyone has actually been caught red-handed, this one’s for you.

For not wearing a face mask in public

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the bottom half of each others’ faces when out and about — unfortunately (or fortunately for those who have social anxiety), it will be this way for a little while longer. 

Here’s what you need to know to prevent yourself from unnecessary masking trouble. 

Blanket rule: Anyone above the age of two years old has to wear a face mask the moment they leave their residence. This is the most basic form of protection to lower the risk of contracting or spreading the virus.

Rule doesn’t apply to/when:

• At restaurants or eateries when consuming food and/or drink.
• Engaged in physical strenuous exercise (e.g. running at the park, HIIT at the exercise corner, lifting of weights at the gym, etc.).
• In the car, only when you’re with people you reside with (i.e. people who stay under the same roof as you).
• Dental procedures or any other medical treatments (at the doctor’s discretion). 

Cost of breaking the rule: Those found guilty may face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders can be fined up to S$20,000 and jailed for up to a year.

For not abiding by the 1m safe distancing rule when out

Think you need to get physically closer to the person queuing in front of you, because you are afraid that someone might cut your queue? Well, maybe knowing what doing so might cost you will ensure that you follow this simple rule.

Blanket rule: When out and about, you have to actively maintain a 1m safe distance between yourself and the general public. Essentially, create an invisible personal barrier between yourself and strangers to lower the risk of contracting or spreading the virus.

Rule doesn’t apply to/when:

• The four friends or family members that you are currently out with.
• On public transportation (e.g. buses and trains). Although, you are strongly encouraged to put as much space between you and other commuters as possible.

Cost of breaking the rule: There are currently no offenders that have been formally charged for not abiding by this rule. However, if you find yourself being served a summon for such an offence, it would most likely be from a Safe Distancing Enforcement Officer. Penalties include:

FAQ: Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers — what’s the difference? 

They may have similar end-goals and spot red lanyards, but they are very different. Safe Distancing Ambassadors can only encourage businesses and individuals to abide by safe distancing regulations. 

Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers, on the other hand, are government appointed officers (i.e. police officer, auxiliary police officer, public officer, an officer of a statutory body, etc.) who are empowered to carry out their duties. This includes entering, searching and inspecting your home without a warrant, if they have reason to believe that safe distancing regulations have been breached. Obstructing them from carrying out their duty might result in consequences mentioned above. 

For gathering in groups of more than 5 in public spaces

It has been almost two years since COVID-19 disrupted our lives and you would think that people won’t meet in groups larger than five in broad daylight, but some are brazen. This is what you should take note of the next time you’re planning a gathering with friends or family.

Blanket rule: Regardless of activity (unless it is a formally registered event, wedding or religious service), you should only gather in groups of no more than five. This ensures that in the event someone in your party contracts the virus, contact is minimised and chances of cluster forming is low.

Rule doesn’t apply to: Large families who have more than five family members living in the same household. 

Cost of breaking the rule: First-time offenders will be fined S$300. Repeat offenders will face a S$1,000 fine or prosecution in court, depending on the severity of the case.

FAQ: How do I report safe distancing breaches? 

See a large group of 10 causing a ruckus at your void deck, or someone not wearing a mask on the train? Report the incident on the OneService app. 

Before you get too excited and put on your social vigilante hat, do note that you should only report incidents that you’ve personally witnessed as you will have to log into your SingPass in order to make the report and submit pictures as proof. 

For having more than 5 visitors in your home

The rules surrounding house visits are slightly confusing, but as long as you don’t welcome more than five unique visitors a day, you are safe. On that note, it is strongly encouraged that the unvaccinated or those who are not fully vaccinated (2 weeks since the second jab) only gather in groups of no more than two.

Blanket rule: You can invite no more than five unique visitors in your home a day. Household occupants do not add to the count. This means you can invite up to five friends or relatives to your house, your parents or siblings do not add to the count. 

Rule doesn’t apply to: Grandparents who are caregivers to their grandchildren.

Cost of breaking the rule: Those found guilty may face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

For illegal reopening of businesses (yes, referring to KTVs and the likes of it)

In November 2020, the government announced that all nightlife establishments were to be shut until further notice, but they have the option to switch their business model and reopen as a restaurant. This was a move welcomed by most of the affected businesses, especially since they could receive a grant worth up to S$50,000 from Enterprise Singapore to defray pivoting costs. 

However, there were a select few that did not pivot and went ahead to reopen as a nightlife establishment. This resulted in the suspension of all pivoted nightlife establishments. 

Blanket rule: All nightlife establishments are to remain closed until further notice. 

Rule doesn’t apply to: Select nightlife establishments who had received a special license to reopen as a food and beverage (F&B) establishment (currently suspended).

Cost of breaking the rule: First-time offenders will face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to a year or both.

Conclusion

Don’t even think about bending the rules, a couple hours of fun or letting the bottom half of your face see sunlight when out is not worth facing jail time or a fine.

Realistically, flouting safe distancing and any other COVID-19 rules would only prolong the pain because a seemingly harmless gathering could end up becoming the next big cluster. The virus is real, vaccinations save lives, and science doesn’t lie. So don’t go lax on your personal hygiene and keep your social circles small! 

Given that we have to learn to live with the virus (after all, we’re moving from being in a pandemic to an endemic), you’re likely worried about contracting it. Consider getting a personal accident plan that not only covers COVID-19 but also provides daily hospitalisation payouts. Find one that’s affordable and suits your lifestyle by clicking the button below.

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