Covid-19: Foreigner banned from working in S; pore after visiting casino during LOA period
Covid-19: Foreigner banned from working in S'pore after visiting casino during LOA period
To date, MOM has taken action against 14 work pass holders and 15 employers.
Syahindah Ishak | February 25, 2020, 01:39 PM
Events
Law Awareness Week 2020
05 October 2020 - 13 November 2020
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has taken action against 10 more work pass holders between Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 after they were caught breaching their leave of absence (LOA) requirements.
6 work passes revoked and 9 work pass privileges suspended
In a media release on Monday (Feb. 24), MOM said that six out of the 10 workers had their work passes revoked.
In addition, nine employers of these workers had their work pass privileges suspended.
According to MOM, one of the cases involved a foreign worker who had his work pass revoked after he was caught visiting a casino during his LOA period.
He has also been permanently banned from working in Singapore.
In two other cases, both the workers and employers claimed ignorance of the LOA requirements despite being informed by MOM earlier on.
The workers had their work passes revoked and have also been permanently banned from working in Singapore.
Meanwhile, their employers' work pass privileges have been suspended for two years.
The three remaining workers did not respond to repeated calls from MOM while on their LOA.
The ministry revoked their work passes and suspended the work pass privileges of their two employers for failing to ensure that their staff remained contactable by the authorities during their LOA period.
4 work pass holders given stern warnings
MOM also said four work pass holders were given stern warnings.
Three cases involved workers on LOA who were instructed by their employer to report to work despite being placed on LOA.
The first involved a worker from freight forwarding firm Element Logistics.
The worker approached MOM to lodge a complaint against his employer after his company s business development manager instructed him to work during his LOA period.
The second case involved a worker from architecture firm SCDA Design.
She was instructed by her company s HR manager to report to office despite her being on LOA.
The third case involved a worker from manufacturing firm Cham Brothers Engineering.
He was instructed by his company director to work during his LOA.
MOM has suspended the work pass privileges of their employers for three years.
One other foreign worker was given a stern warning for being out of his residence for a prolonged period after his meal.
MOM had previously revoked the work passes of four work pass holders and suspended the work pass privileges of six employers on Feb. 9.
This means that in total as of Feb. 24, MOM has taken action against 14 work pass holders and 15 employers.
11 workers banned from working in Singapore
In a separate press release, MOM stated that it has revoked the work passes of 11 foreigners in Singapore for breaching their entry approval requirements.
According to MOM, these workers had entered Singapore despite failing to obtain approval.
They have been repatriated and permanently banned from working in Singapore.
In addition, MOM has also suspended the work pass privileges of their respective employers for one year.
500 work pass applications rejected, 220 accepted each day
MOM said it has also been rejecting 500 work pass holder applications each day for foreign workers to enter Singapore.
However, it has also approved about 220 applications each day.
Explaining these figures, Divisional Director of MOM s Work Pass Division Penny Han said:
The majority of employers have been compliant with our entry approval requirements, in spite of the short notice. They understand the need for such measures to help Singapore manage the evolving Covid-19 situation and we are grateful for their support.
However, there remains a small minority who choose to blatantly disregard these safeguards. We would like to remind employers of the need to take these requirements seriously. The Covid-19 situation is still evolving and we cannot afford to be complacent.
Reminders for employers
Employers are reminded to seek approval using the online facility for work pass holders with recent travel history to mainland China to enter or return to Singapore.
Employers should also inform their employees not to make travel plans to Singapore until MOM has approved their application.
The employees will then be required to serve a mandatory 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) upon their arrival in Singapore.
MOM stressed that employers and employees have a joint duty to ensure that an employee behaves responsibly during their SHN period.
Employers or employees who do not comply with the requirements may get their work passes revoked or work pass privileges suspended.
Top image via MOM/FB.
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Casino Laws for the Gaming Citizen
The casinos have been here in Singapore for 5 years now. This is therefore an appropriate time to have a quick review of the laws governing casinos and gaming in Singapore where it concerns the average gamer-citizen.
We will of course not discuss such laws as concern the casino operators, as they would be well advised by their own professional legal advisors of the complex thicket of laws and licensing conditions which govern casino operators. What we shall instead discuss here are some of the legalities involved in gaming and attendances at casino which we should all be aware of, even as citizens and gamers.
Who can enter the casino?
- Citizens and PRs of Singapore may only have the right of entry into a casino upon paying $100 per every 24 hours. Note if you opt to remain for one single minute beyond the first 24 hours, another $100 would become payable. Non-payment of such a levy is punishable by a fine up to S$1,000.
- Persons below the age of 21 may not enter any casino.
- If anyone uses the ID of another person to enter the casino, that person may be charged for cheating by impersonation, as well as charged for being in possession of another person s identification documents.
- Both the casino as well as the Casino Regulatory Authority may issue an exclusion order prohibiting any specific individual from entering the casino. An exclusion order can be the result of self-exclusion, exclusion by family members, or automatic exclusion by law (e.g. for undischarged bankrupts). Anyone who is the subject matter of an exclusion order may not enter the casino. Doing so would be an offence, and his winnings forfeited. He would also have committed an offence attracting a fine not exceeding $10,000 or jail up to 12 months or to both.
Don t bring anything that is used to cheat
Possession of anything used for cheating (cards, dice or coins that have been marked, loaded or otherwise tampered with), or any equipment, device or thing that permits or facilitates cheating or stealing, or which would interfere with the operation of gaming equipment, would attract very heavy penalties involving fine up to $150,000 or jail up to 7 years or to both. You should note that use of such equipment need not be proved; it is an offence to even possess such things within the casino. This rule covers not just tampered cards, dice and coins, but arguably also miniaturized or concealed computer equipment to calculate odds in card games such as poker, bridge or blackjack.
Don t bring chips out of the casino
Most interestingly, it is even an offence to possess chips (above a certain amount) except within the premises of a casino. This means that the law does not permit you to bring out of the casino the chips you bought. It is an offence to do so, and this offence is punishable very severely by a fine up to $150,000 or jail up to 5 years or to both.
One wonders why this is so: why can t you take out of the casino genuine chips which you have paid with your own money? If you paid for the chips, are they not yours, for you to bring wherever you want to?
It is known that in some of the more advanced casinos overseas, the casino operators have installed integrated circuit chips or smartchips into every gaming chip. The smartchips can be read remotely by radio frequency detectors (like those found in electronic door access cards used in most offices nowadays) installed on game tables. In those casinos employing this technology, the specially encrypted codes have three functions:
- To ensure authenticity and prevent forged chips from being presented for cash (chips may be exchanged for their equivalent value in cash and are effectively bearer instruments);
- The presence of the specially encrypted information within such chips ensure that every single chip is individually serial-numbered and identified, so as to enable radio frequency detecting sensors to calculate and record conclusively the correct odds and returns of each bet by each gamer;
- Thirdly and perhaps most significantly, the presence of the specially encrypted information within such chip enable radio frequency detecting sensors to detect post-bettings (i.e. the surreptitious shifting of chips by cheaters after bets are closed).
Thus, it makes sense that the casino operator would not permit anyone to take genuine chips out of its premises where the information encoded on such chips may then be analyzed, decrypted and then duplicated. For this reason, duplication of genuine chips is therefore punished as if legal tender of the land is being forged.
Informers are protected
Most interestingly, the identity of an informer who has given information with respect to a casino offence (e.g. if you inform against someone who is cheating) is protected against discovery in both civil and criminal proceedings. This degree of protection is only accorded to informers under the Prevention of Corruption Act and drug cases. The identity of the informer is not protected by confidentiality even in much more serious offences such as terrorism, treason, murder, assisting the enemy etc.
Lastly, for anyone who wishes to contravene or bend or cheat any of the rules in a casino, just be aware that your average modern casino has the highest number of camera per square foot outside the offices of CIA, MI6 or the KGB (now known as FSB)! Several cameras capture different and overlapping angles of every spot within the gaming hall. Cameras may be visible, or concealed, and they can operate on visible light, infra-red or ultra-violet frequencies (for detecting concealed devices). Face and voice recognition computer software is now widely utilized to scan, pick up and track specific faces, speech or even clothing styles from the teeming thousands that throng a casino daily. When coupled with smartchip-embedded gambling chips and radio frequency detecting sensors, this means that a punter s every physical movement and gaming bet would be logged. Sensors guard against removal of chips from the casino; sensors also detect chips being brought into the casino (to prevent forged chips from being brought in to be exchanged for cash).
The author Foo Cheow Ming is an experienced criminal law practitioner. He is a director at Templars Law LLC.
SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTION REPORTING OFFICE (STRO)
STRO is Singapore’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). We receive Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and other financial information such as Cash Movement Reports (CMRs) and Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs) and analyse them to detect Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and other serious crimes. Where possible offences are detected, we disseminate the financial intelligence to relevant enforcement and regulatory agencies.
The STRO provides instructions to filers on filing STRs, CMRs and CTRs. We also provide case studies and feedback to encourage filers to increase the quantity and quality of STRs.
The STRO represents Singapore at international forums and regional bodies in global Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Financing of Terrorism efforts. We are a member of the Egmont Group of FIUs and we maintain close working relationships with the FIUs of other jurisdictions.
CASH TRANSACTION REPORTING
Precious Stones and Precious Metals Dealers
Importance of Cash Transaction Reporting
Precious stones and precious metals have high commercial value and are portable. They are easy to convert to cash. Dealing in precious stones and precious metals is thus a convenient means for criminals (including terrorists) to launder their illicit funds.
There is a requirement for regulated dealers as defined under the Precious Stones and Precious Metals (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act (“ PSPM Act”) and pawnbrokers under the Pawnbrokers Act to report cash transactions. This is to facilitate the detection, investigation and prosecution of money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious crimes.
The cash transaction reporting regime is aligned with the international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons capable of causing mass destruction.
Reporting Requirement
Section 17 of the Precious Stones and Precious Metals (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act (“PSPM Act ”) and section 74A of the Pawnbrokers Act set out the cash transaction reporting regime for cash transactions in precious stone, precious metals, precious products and asset-backed tokens.
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Regulated Dealers
If you are a regulated dealer under the PSPM Act, you are required to submit a Cash Transaction Report (“CTR”) to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) and a copy separately to the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism Division (ACD) when:
You sell any precious stone(s), precious metal(s), precious product(s) (“PSPM”) or asset-backed token(s) to a customer and receive cash or cash equivalent exceeding SGD 20,000 as payment;
Any regulated dealer who fails to comply with the above requirement shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding SGD 20,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.
For more information, please refer to ACD's website .
If you are a pawnbroker under the Pawnbrokers Act, you are required to submit a Cash Transaction Report (“CTR”) to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) and a copy separately to the Registry of Pawnbrokers (ROP) when:
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You sell any PSPM to a customer and receive cash or cash equivalent exceeding SGD 20,000 as payment; or
Any pawnbroker who fails to comply with the above requirement shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding SGD 20,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.
How to File Cash Transaction Report
You can file a Cash Transaction Report ("CTR") (Form NP 784) electronically or via paper form.
All completed CTRs must be submitted within 15 business days (Mondays Fridays, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays) after the date of the transaction.
1 The previous Electronic Form NP 759 for e-filing via SONAR has been revised and is now known as Electronic Form NP 784. This form should be used for electronic submissions after 10pm, 29 August 2019.
Regulated dealers and pawnbrokers are required to provide the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism Division (ACD) or the Registry of Pawnbrokers (ROP) respectively with a copy of the CTR that you have filed with the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO).
You will enjoy convenience by e-filing. When you e-file CTR via SONAR, you agree for STRO to extend a copy of your report to the ACD (for regulated dealers) or ROP (for pawnbrokers). Therefore, you need not separately mail your report to the ACD or ROP.
If you submit paper forms (Form NP 784), you will need to mail the original signed copy to STRO and a copy to the ACD (if you are a regulated dealer) or ROP (if you are a pawnbroker).
The addresses are:
Head, Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office
Commercial Affairs Department
391 New Bridge Road #06-701
Police Cantonment Complex Block D
Singapore 088762
For regulated dealers:
Registrar of Regulated Dealers
Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism Division
Ministry of Law
45 Maxwell Road #07-11
The URA Centre (East Wing)
Singapore 069118
Registrar of Pawnbrokers
Registry of Pawnbrokers
Ministry of Law
45 Maxwell Road #07-11
The URA Centre (East Wing)
Singapore 069118
It is an offence under section 27 of the Precious Stones and Precious Metals (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act and section 70 of the Pawnbrokers Act to provide any information that is materially false or misleading or to omit to provide any information knowing or having reason to believe that such omission will create a false or misleading impression.
Related Links
CASINOS
Importance of Cash Transaction Reporting
Casinos are large cash-based businesses. The frequent use of cash makes casinos highly vulnerable to money laundering and terrorism financing. The requirement for casino operators to report cash transactions will therefore facilitate the detection, investigation and prosecution of money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious crimes.
There is a requirement for casino operators as defined under the Casino Control (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Regulations to report cash transactions. This is to facilitate the detection, investigation and prosecution of money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious crimes.
The cash transaction reporting regime for casino operators is aligned with the international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons capable of causing mass destruction.
Reporting Requirement
A casino is required to submit a Cash Transaction Report (CTR) to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO), before the end of the applicable reporting period, for:
Every cash transaction with a patron involving either cash in or cash out of SGD 10,000 or more in a single transaction; or
Multiple cash transactions which the casino operator knows are entered into by or on behalf of a patron, the aggregate of which is either cash in or cash out of SGD 10,000 or more in any gaming day.
Any casino operator which fails to comply with the above requirement shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding SGD 20,000.
How to File
Casino operators in Singapore submit casino Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs) online to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO).
Cross Border Cash Movement Reporting
Importance of Cross Border Cash Movement Reporting
Criminals and terrorist financiers around the world have been known to use cash couriers as a means to physically move funds across borders, to finance their illicit activities or to launder their ill-gotten gains.
Since 1 November 2007, Singapore has imposed measures for the disclosure of information on movements of physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments (or CBNI) into and out of Singapore. The initiative is to facilitate the detection, investigation and prosecution of drug trafficking offences and serious crimes. This is consistent with international Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism standards recommended by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body that develops and promotes such policies. Singapore is a member of the FATF.
This initiative is not a currency control measure. There is no restriction on the type or amount of cash which is moved into or out of Singapore.
Reporting Requirement
If you move physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments (or CBNI) exceeding SGD 20,000 (the prescribed amount) or its equivalent in a foreign currency into or out of Singapore, you are required to make a Cash Movement Report. If you receive CBNI exceeding the prescribed amount from outside Singapore, you are required to give a report within
- A commercial passenger carrier is not required to give a report in respect of CBNI in the possession of its passengers.
- A commercial goods carrier is not required to give a report if the CBNI is carried on behalf of another person and the other person has not disclosed to the carrier that the goods carried include CBNI and the carrier does not know and has no reasonable ground to believe that the goods carried on behalf of the other person include CBNI.
Cash Movement Reports by Travellers
If you enter or leave Singapore and you carry physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments (or CBNI) exceeding the prescribed amount, you will need to complete the Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments Report (Traveller) or Form NP 727
You need to hand the Form NP 727 to any immigration officer at the Customs Red Channel on arrival in Singapore, and at the immigration counter on departure from Singapore.
Cash Movement Reports by Senders, Carriers or Recipients
If you move physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments (or CBNI) exceeding the prescribed amount into or out of Singapore, through cargo, post or other means, you will need to complete the Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments Report (Sender, Carrier or Recipient) or the Form NP 728.
For a sender or carrier moving physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments (or CBNI) into or out of Singapore, you will need to submit the completed form to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) no later than one business day (or, if the form is to be sent by post, no later than two business days) before the moving of the CBNI. If it is not reasonably practicable to do so, you should submit the form to the STRO at the first opportunity and before the cash is moved.
If you receive CBNI exceeding the prescribed amount from outside Singapore, you are required to complete the Form NP 728 and submit it to the STRO within five business days upon receipt.
Punishment
A failure to give a full and accurate report is an offence under the Act. The punishment is a fine not exceeding SGD 50,000, or an imprisonment term not exceeding 3 years, or both. The cash may also be seized if the person fails to give the report.
The Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) investigates offences relating to this initiative and takes enforcement action against persons who did not give a full and accurate report.
How to File a Cash Movement Report
You can file a Cash Movement Report (CMR) electronically or in writing:
| With effect from 21 September 2021, the Form NP 727 and the Form NP 728 have been revised. You should use the revised forms for cross-border cash movement declarations made from 21 September 2021 onwards. You are using the revised form if it has a QR code under the “General Information” section and if the form version number is indicated as (1/21) at the bottom right hand corner. |
| Download Form and Instruction Guide | |||
| Form NP 727 (Travellers) | Form NP 728 (Senders, Carriers or Recipients) | ||
| Forms (in English) | Form NP 727 1 (file in writing) 3 | Electronic Form NP 728 (file electronically via SONAR) 2 | Form NP 728 (file in writing) 3 |
| Form Guide (in English) | Guide to Fill Up Form NP 727 | Guide to Fill Up Electronic Form NP 728 | |
Note:
1 Form NP 727 is available for download above or at the major checkpoints (Airport Terminals, Cruise Terminals, Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints).
2 You are encouraged to file your Form NP 728 electronically. STRO Online Notices And Reporting platform (SONAR) allows the business and financial community to file Cross Border Cash Movement Reports (Form NP 728) electronically to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO). Click here to e-file via SONAR .
3 If you are filing a CMR in writing, you should complete the Form NP 727 and Form NP 728 in English, sign it and send it by post or by hand to the STRO’s office at:
Head, Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office
Commercial Affairs Department
391 New Bridge Road #06-701
Police Cantonment Complex Block D
Singapore 088762
Related Links
International Cooperation
Under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act (CDSA), the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office ( STRO) is authorised to share information with a foreign Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Membership In International Anti-Money Laundering And Counter-Financing Of Terrorism Organisations
Singapore is a member of several international Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) organisations. Membership in these organisations underscores Singapore's commitment to the fight against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing.
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG)
Singapore is a founding member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG). The APG is a FATF-style regional grouping for the Asia/Pacific region formed in 1997 to prevent and detect money laundering in the region. Singapore strongly supports the objectives and activities of the APG.
Egmont Group of FIUs
The STRO was admitted into the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units (FIU) in June 2002. The Egmont Group of FIUs was established in June 1995 to provide an avenue for the timely sharing of information and provision of assistance between different jurisdictions. A FIU is the central, national agency responsible for receiving, analysing and disseminating financial intelligence to competent authorities. We have provided assistance to FIUs from various countries in the Egmont group over the years.
Partnership With The Community
Money launderers use financial instruments and facilities extensively to launder criminal proceeds. They target members of the financial community, such as banks, insurance companies, fund managers, money-changers and remittance companies as possible conduits for laundering money. They may mislead bona fide businesses and companies to assist to receive and pay out tainted monies or property related to terrorism. They may also draw in professionals such as lawyers and accountants to assist in the criminals' money laundering schemes.
We are mindful of the vulnerability of certain sectors and professions to money laundering. To build a robust Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in Singapore, we engage these sectors and professions to forge strong partnership to collect financial intelligence.
Guidance on Filing STRs, CMRs and CTRs
The Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) engages the financial institution sectors and the designated non-financial businesses and professions sectors, using both face to face channels and publications, to raise the usefulness of information in Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), Cross border cash Movement Reports (CMRs) and Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs) filed by them.
The STRO jointly organizes, with industry associations and regulators, closed-door dialogue sessions, seminars and conferences for financial institution sectors and designated non-financial businesses sectors and professions. STRO provides guidance on trends and typologies of crime relevant to the respective sectors and discuss issues that the sectors may have relating to AML/CFT at such events.
The STRO has also developed publications to provide suspicious indicators, case studies and trends detected from our analysis of STRs. Such publications are disseminated to financial institution sectors and designated non-financial businesses and professions sectors via the STRO Online Notices and Reporting Platform (SONAR) and through the respective industry associations and regulators.
Statistics
Financial Intelligence
The Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) receives, analyses and disseminates financial intelligence collated from Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), Cash Movement Reports (CMRs) and Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs). These reports play a pivotal role in the Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in Singapore. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the number of STRs, CMRs and CTRs received. This is the result of continued vigilance of the reporting entities in detecting suspicious transactions and greater AML/CFT awareness in Singapore.
International Cooperation
STRO is a member of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and we have collaborations with the international network of foreign FIUs to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The STRO renders assistance to our foreign counterparts in response to their requests for assistance (RFA). The STRO also sends RFAs to our foreign counterparts to further our analysis of financial intelligence and provide investigation leads to domestic law enforcement agencies.
Community Partnership
STRO organizes meetings and discussion forums to share crime trends and typologies with the financial and business community, industry associations and domestic law enforcement agencies. Such engagements have been effective in enhancing the quantity and quality of financial intelligence received by STRO and the use of financial intelligence to fight crime.
Suspicious Transaction Reporting
Importance of Filing Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs)
Money laundering is an international concern. Criminals are known to launder proceeds of crime to legitimize their ill-gotten gains. If they are not stopped, they can enjoy their fruits of crime with impunity.
In recent years, many parts of the world have seen terrorist attacks. Governments worldwide have responded by stepping up their efforts to counter acts of terrorism and the financing of terrorism.
Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) play an important role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. A high level of suspicious transaction reporting is an internationally accepted indicator of the existence of a strong Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.
Since the establishment of the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) in January 2000, the number of STRs received by the STRO has risen steadily over the years. These STRs have been helpful in the detection of a number of significant cases.
Reporting Requirements
In the course of your trade, profession, business or employment, if you know or have reasonable grounds to suspect that any property may be connected to a criminal activity, you are required to file a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO). Failure to file a STR may constitute a criminal offence.
This reporting requirement is set out in Section 39 of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, Cap 65A (also commonly known as CDSA).
Every person in Singapore and every Singapore citizen outside Singapore also have a duty to provide information on property and financial transactions belonging to terrorist and acts of terrorism financing to the Police. This legal obligation is set out in Sections 8 and 10 of the Terrorism (Suppression of Terrorism) Act, Cap 325 (TSOFA). Failure to provide information may constitute a criminal offence.
The disclosure of terrorism financing information can be made to the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) in a STR.
How to File
Businesses and their employees can download the Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) Form from and e-file the completed STR on SONAR. STRO’s guidance on the completion of the STR Form is also available on SONAR.
The regulators for a number of reporting industries require entities to comply with the Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) legislation and regulations. They have requirements on customer due diligence, record keeping, internal controls, training and suspicious transaction reporting and have issued the industry specific guidelines and indicators on the detection and reporting of STRs.
| Reporting Industry | Indicators | Directives and Guidelines |
| Approved CIS Trustees | Indicators provided by Regulator | MAS Notice SFA13-NO1/ Guidelines to MAS Notice SFA13-NO1 Website: https://www.mas.gov.sg |
| Bank | Indicators provided by Regulator | For Commercial Banks: MAS Notice 626 / Guidelines to MAS Notice 626 Website: https://www.mas.gov.sg |
If your business or employment is not within a regulated industry and you wish to file a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR), you should complete the Generic STR Form in English, and have it signed and delivered by post or by hand to the STRO’s office at:
Head, Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office
Commercial Affairs Department
391 New Bridge Road #06-701
Police Cantonment Complex Block D
Singapore 088762
Singapore COVID-19 Restrictions: From 13 Oct, Unvaccinated Cannot Dine-in or Visit Malls, Large Standalone Stores & Attractions
On Saturday (9 October 2021), the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced (via Today) that from next Wednesday (13 October 2021), unvaccinated individuals will not be able to:
- Dine-in at hawker centres, coffee shops and regular food and beverage (FB) establishments
- Visit attractions
- Visit shopping centres or large standalone stores (they can still visit large standalone supermarkets).
However, fully vaccinated individuals will still be allowed to do all of the above in groups of two.
According to MOH, individuals who can be included in the groups of two are:
- R eceived the full regimen of Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna or World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing vaccines (includes Sinovac-CoronaVac, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca) for at least two additional weeks
- Have recovered from Covid-19
- Have a valid negative pre-event test (PET) result in the past 24 hours before the end of the event
- Children aged 12 years old and younger.
Here is what you need to know about the measures thus far.
TL;DR: An Overview of Singapores New Normal During COVID-19
On 7 April 2020, Singapore implemented a stay-at-home order aka Circuit Breaker which lasted for a month.
And its been pretty tough on all of us, especially on our finances and our retirement planning.
Naturally, a lot of us are looking forward to going back to our normal lives as soon as possible.
So that businesses can resume, jobs can be made available, and we can get our personal finances back on track.
After we got things under control with the Circuit Breaker, weve been slowly lifting the circuit breaker measures in phases.
Heres what weve gone through so far
- Phase 1 (Safe Reopening): started on 2 June 2020
- Phase 2 (Safe Transition): started on 19 June 2020
- Phase 3 (Safe Nation): started on 28 December 2020 (with widespread TraceTogether use and Safe Management Measures) and was expected to last until an effective treatment or vaccine is found
- Phase 2 (Heightened Alert): started on 16 May 2021 in light of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases
- Phase 3 (Heightened Alert): started on 14 June 2021
- Phase 2 (Heightened Alert): 22 July 2021 till 18 August 2021
- Phase 2 (Heightened Alert Preparatory Stage): From 10 18 August 2021
- Phase Transition to COVID-19 Resilience: From 27 September 2021 ?
Stay safe, everyone!
Also, do remember to save this article as we will be updating it regularly to keep you in the loop about the latest COVID-19 restrictions and Heightened Alerts.
24 September 2021 COVID-19 Restrictions Update: FB Dine-in and Social Gatherings Will Revert to Groups of 2 From 27 September 21
Following the spike in COVID-19 cases the past few weeks, MOH announced on Friday (24 September 2021) that there will be a tightening of safe management measures.
From next Monday (27 September 2021) onwards, here are the following COVID-19 safe management measures you need to adhere to:
According to MOH, fully vaccinated individuals are those who have:
- R eceived the full regimen of Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna or World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing vaccines (includes Sinovac-CoronaVac, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca), for at least two additional weeks
- Have recovered from Covid-19
- Have a valid negative pre-event test (PET) result in the past 24 hours before the end of the event.
As for unvaccinated children aged 12 years old and younger, they can still join the group of two.
6 August 2021 Singapore COVID-19 Restrictions Update: Fully Vaccinated Can Dine-in in Groups of 5 From 10 August 2021
On Friday (6 August 2021), the Ministry of Health announced in a press release (via CNA) that fully vaccinated individuals will be able to dine-in at Food and Beverage (FB) outlets next Tuesday, 10 August 2021.
In addition, the current restrictions on group sizes for social gatherings will be raised from two to five for fully vaccinated individuals from Tuesday as well. Households will also be allowed to host five unique vaccinated visitors per day. But, households can only host a maximum of two gatherings a day.
As for unvaccinated children under the age of 12, they can still join the group of five if the children are all from the same household.
However, MOH added that individuals who are unvaccinated can only continue gathering in groups of two with their vaccinated peers.
But for the unvaccinated individuals fret not, as you will still be able to dine in at hawker centres and coffeeshops with your vaccinated peers in groups of two.
Unvaccinated individuals can also gather in groups of two, have two unique household visitors a day and host a maximum of two gatherings a day.
Further Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions (Preparatory Stage)
| Type of Event | From 10 - 18 Aug 2021 | From 19 Aug 2021* |
|---|---|---|
| Gyms, Sports Activities and Fitness Studios | Indoor mask off: Up to groups of 5 fully vaccinated individuals (up to 30 people per class). Not allowed for unvaccinated | |
Also, from 19 August 2021, there will also be no need for temperature screening in public places.
Early September (Preparatory Stage Ends)
By early September, around 80 per cent of the population (and a similar proportion of those aged 70 and above) would have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
1. Allow Larger Groups To Get Together
Larger groups can get together, especially if they are fully vaccinated.
2. Travel Without Needing to Serve Full Stay-Home Notice
We can also begin to reopen our borders and allow vaccinated people to travel via travel corridors with countries or regions that have COVID-19 infections under control.
Depending on the risk level of the country, the stay-home notice will be replaced with a rigorous testing regime or travellers can observe a seven-day isolation period at home.
Note: those who are not vaccinated can still travel, but will be subjected to the prevailing SHN requirements
20 July 2021 Singapore COVID-19 Restrictions Update: No Dining In, Social Group Sizes Cut To 2
With the recent spike in COVID-19 community cases, its no surprise that were going back to Phase 2.
This is with effect from 22 July to 18 August 2021.
And that means: no dining in and group sizes for social gatherings will be reduced from five to two.
1) No Dining In
Dining-in at indoor and outdoor FB establishments will not be allowed during this period.
Eateries can only offer takeaway or delivery.
This includes hawker centres and food courts.
Cinemas too can not serve food or drinks to movie-goers.
2) Social Gatherings Reduced
The maximum group sizes for social gatherings will be reduced from five to two.
The number of distinct visitors per household per day will also be capped at two, from the current five.
Note: children being cared for daily by their grandparents will not be counted towards these caps.
This new two-person limit also applies to staycations at hotels, unless all individuals are from the same household.
In-person tuition and enrichment classes can continue with class sizes of up to 50, but groups must be capped at two.
3) No Indoor Mask Off Activities
- strenuous indoor exercise classes
- strenuous individual and group indoor sports and exercise activities
will cease during this period.
Services that require masks to be removed, such as facials, saunas, and makeup services, will also not be allowed.
Any other activities that require the intentional expulsion of air such as singing and the playing of instruments will also not be allowed.
4) Mandatory SafeEntry Check-in For All Markets Hawker Centres
Since wet markets and hawker centres are places frequently visited by the public…
TraceTogether-only SafeEntry requirements will be enforced at ALL wet markets and hawker centres in Singapore.
5) Limits For Live Event Sizes
The maximum size for live events will also be scaled down. This means that for:
- live performances
- spectator sports events
- wedding solemnisations and receptions
- cinema film screenings
- worship services
- events in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry
only up to 100 persons will be only allowed if pre-event testing (PET) is conducted.
Group sizes for these events will be capped at two, except for wedding receptions.
Events without PET remain capped at 50 attendees.
For wedding receptions, PET will be required for ALL attendees.
Previously, PET was only required for the main wedding party (read: couple plus the bridesmaids or groomsmen) for events with up to 50 attendees.
There is no change for funerals which remain capped at 20 people at any point.
6) Work From Home (WFH) To Remain Default
Working from home remains the default arrangement this goes without saying.
And ALL social gatherings at the workplace remain banned.
16 July 2021 Singapore COVID-19 Restrictions Update: Group Size Reduced to 2 For Dine-In
On Friday (16 July 2021), Singapores Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that the group sizes for dining in at food and beverage (FB) establishments will revert back to groups of two for those who are not fully vaccinated/eligible.
FYI: MOH added that a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after they have received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty or Moderna vaccines.
5 Person Group Eligibility Criteria
But, those who are fully vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 in the past 270 days or those who took a COVID-19 test pre-event and do not test positive for COVID-19 will be allowed to continue dining in groups of five from 19 July to 8 August 2021.
Since children younger than 12 cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine under Singapores national vaccine programme, they will still be allowed to dine in with other members from the same household.
Source: Ministry of Health (via CNA)
Unfortunately, coffee shops, hawker centres and food courts will only allow group sizes of two people regardless of their vaccination/eligibility status due to the open nature of these venues.
The saving grace is that other FB establishments will be allowed to have groups of five diners. But, this is dependent on on their own operating model, customers and whether they can check on the status of individuals dining in added MOH.
Heres what we can expect for Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) situation, and what to expect.
The following tightened measures are effective from 19 July 8 August 2021 unless stated otherwise.
1) Dining In To Resume
Dining in at FB establishments was allowed to resume from 21 June 2021 onwards as the COVID-19 situation remains under control.
The dine-in group limit was increased from two to five from Monday, 12 July 2021.
But on Friday (16 July 2021), Singapores Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that the group sizes for dining in at food and beverage establishments will revert back to groups of two for those who are not eligible.
But, those who are eligible will be allowed to continue dining in groups of five at selected FB establishments from 19 July to 8 August 2021.
2) Social Gathering Cap To Increase
The maximum cap for social gatherings will remain at five persons from next Monday 12 July 2021.
However, social gatherings should also be limited to no more than two a day with the exception of grandchildren being cared for by grandparents.
Higher-risk settings such as FB establishments will need to strictly observe safe distancing measures.
Patrons are reminded to keep their masks on at all times, except when eating or drinking.
3) Sports and Exercise
Outdoor and indoor (mask-on) sports and exercise activities will be allowed to proceed for groups of up to five people and in classes of up to 50 people, including the instructor.
But classes will need to be conducted with safe distancing of at least two metres between persons and at least three metres between groups of up to five persons.
However, high-intensity indoor sports and exercise activities that require you to take your mask off will be limited to groups of two.
These classes will be capped at 30 people.
But those who are eligible will be allowed to go for these activities in groups of five.
4) Work From Home (WFH) To Remain Default
Employers should ensure that employees who are able to WFH should continue to do so to minimise movement and risk.
Companies should stagger start times and implement flexible working hours where possible.
Workers should also not be cross-deployed to multiple worksites.
But, social and recreational gatherings at the workplace will be allowed for up to five people.
5) Regular Fast and Easy Testing (FET) Regime
People who work in high-risk settings with unmasked customers will have to undergo regular Covid-19 testing regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status.
- FB establishments
- personal care and appearance services (e.g. facials, saunas, make-up)
- gyms and fitness studios
The mandatory tests will entail a regular Fast and Easy Testing (FET) regime that utilises antigen rapid tests (ART).
These tests will be rolled out progressively, starting from July 2021.
6) Singaporeans 12 to 39 Years Old Can Register For COVID-19 Vaccinations
Singapore citizens aged 12 to 39 can register online for their COVID-19 vaccinations from 11 June 2021.
Children who turn 12 years old in 2021 must cross their birthday before they are eligible to book an appointment.
P.S. If youre the play safe type… you might want to check out the various COVID-19 vaccination insurance available in the market.
Also, MOH has announced today (7 July 2021) that fully vaccinated persons may gather in groups of eight once half of Singapores population is fully vaccinated.
At the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) doorstep interview, Health minister Ong Ye Kung elaborated further stating that:
All eligible individuals in Singapore are now already offered vaccination, everyone has been offered, so long as youre eligible.
So at [the] current rate of vaccination, we expect 50 per cent of our population to have received two doses of vaccines, around the week of July 26, [which] means, around the starting of the fourth week of July, we would have achieved 50 per cent of our population [being vaccinated].
Do note that people who have received the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine are not included in Singapores national vaccine count.
7) Wedding Receptions
In addition to the easing of the dining-in restrictions, wedding receptions will be allowed to resume from 12 July 2021 with a cap of up to 250 people if pre-event testing is implemented.
But, for wedding receptions with 50 people or less, only the wedding party will be required to undergo pre-event testing.
If you are holding a wedding reception fret not as you can continue having groups of five per table, without the requirement for all individuals in the group to be fully vaccinated according to MOH.
31 May 2021 Singapore COVID-19 Update: 3 Things Singapore Will Do More Of and Faster
PM Lee has provided another update on our COVID situation on 31 May 2021.
To raise our game to keep COVID-19 under control, there are 3 things that Singapore will do more of and faster:
- Testing
- Contact Tracing
- Vaccination
1) Testing: Routine Testing To Be Expected
There will be a focus to test faster and more liberally and extensively.
This will enable us to detect cases more quickly to isolate and ring-fence the virus before it spreads.
There will be faster and cheaper tests available as well.
Self-administered test kits will soon be available to be purchased over the counter at pharmacies.
These kits will be useful for individuals who want to test themselves frequently, such as frontline workers.
This is one of many alternatives to PCR tests, which includes Antigen Rapid Tests (ART), breathalysers and wastewater surveillance.
We can expect routine, fast and simple testing to be part of the new norm moving forward.
2) Contact Tracing
Contact tracers are working faster and more effectively.
For instance, TraceTogether is helping us to identify within hours instead of days.
In the future, once someone is identified as close contact of an infected case (first degree), household members will be told to isolate themselves immediately.
Only when the close contact is tested negative then household members can be released from isolation.
This will help shut down clusters more quickly and help with the ring-fencing
3) Vaccination: Speeding Up Vaccination Process
Vaccinations have begun in December last year.
The government has been working to speed up the vaccine supply, which will increase in the next two months.
Students To Be Next Group To Be Vaccinated
Students aged 12 and above will be the next group to be vaccinated and can start registration from 1 June 2021.
Priority will be given to the secondary and pre-U (O- and A-Levels) graduating cohorts, as well as Special Education students.
Students aged 18 and above will receive either Pfizer-BioN-Tech or Moderna vaccine.
Students aged between 12 and 17 will receive the Pfizer-BioN-Tech vaccine.
Young Adults (39 Years and Younger) As the Final Group
The final group adults 39 years old and younger will be able to start vaccination around mid-June.
There will be a 2-week window as priority as this group is quite large.
No Booking Required for Anyone Above 60 Years Old
Anyone above 60 years old can walk into any vaccination centre to get vaccinated.
There is no need to register and no need to book in advance.
For individuals who are not mobile or unable to make their way to these centres, do contact the Silver Generation office.
A doctor and nurse will visit to administer the vaccination.
The majority of the population will be vaccinated by early July, and all would be able to get at least their first jab by National Day.
If youre looking to get COVID-19 vaccination insurance coverage, there are a few options that are currently available as well!
Nevertheless, not everyone is recommended to take the vaccine.
Heres a quick guide if youre wondering whether you should take the vaccine:
Source: Ministry of Health
16 May 2021 Singapore COVID-19 Update: Return to Phase 2 and Further Tightening of Safe Management Measures
The Ministry of Health announced that COVID-19 safe management measures will be further stepped up in light of the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Singapore as well as the new strains of the virus.
Source: Awesome Singapore | Facebook
These measures will take effect from 16 May 2021 (Sunday) and last till 13 June 2021 (Sunday).
Many of these measures are similar to those back in Phase 2.
Here are the announced new COVID Restrictions:
Social Gatherings Safe Management Measures
- The permitted social gathering size will be reduced to groups of two people, down from five now.
- Households will only be able to host two distinct visitors per household a day, down from five now.
- Also, individuals are advised to limit their social gatherings to just two a day.
- However, current childcare arrangements where children are cared for by their visiting grandparents will not count towards the 2 person cap.
- Spa services that require you to take your mask off will not be allowed to open.
Food And Beverage Establishments Safe Management Measures
- All food and beverage (FB) establishments including eateries and hawker centres will only be able to offer takeaway or delivery during this period of time.
- There will be no dining in allowed.
Workplace Safe Management Measures
- Working from home (WFH) will become the default for all workplaces.
- Employers should ensure that those who can work from home will do so.
Sports Safe Management Measures
- Sports events with mass participation will be temporarily suspended. Also, there will be no spectators permitted at sports events.
- Strenuous indoor exercise classes and sports that require the removal of masks will not be permitted.
Tourism/Places of Interest Safe Management Measures
- Public libraries and museums will have their permitted capacity reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.
- Tours will have their maximum permitted tour size cut from 50 to 20 participants, split into groups of a maximum of two people per group in each tour.
- Cinemas will still be allowed to operate with caps on the number of people:
- 100 people with pre-event COVID-19 testing.
- 50 people without pre-event COVID-19 testing.
Live Events Safe Management Measures
- Indoor and outdoor shows will be allowed to proceed with caps on the number of attendees:
- 100 people with pre-event COVID-19 testing.
- 50 people without pre-event COVID-19 testing
- 100 people with pre-event COVID-19 testing.
- 50 people without pre-event COVID-19 testing.
Weddings And Funerals Safe Management Measures
- Wedding receptions will not be permitted.
- Weddings soleminsations will still be allowed to proceed with caps on the number of attendees:
- 100 people with pre-event COVID-19 testing.
- 50 people without pre-event COVID-19 testing.
TraceTogether App Check-In
- From 17 May 2021, everyone will be required to check in with the TraceTogether (TT) app or token at venues where digital check-ins are needed.
This means that you will not be able to check-in digitally by scanning the venues SafeEntry QR code. - But, you may still check-in through the scanning of barcodes on personal identification cards until 31 May 2021.
28 December 2020 Singapore COVID-19 Update: Moving to Phase 3
Finally, a bit of good news!
Singapore will be moving into Phase 3 from 28 December 2020!
Dont throw away your masks just yet!
Masks are still mandatory, and safe distancing measures must still be adhered to.
We must practice social responsibility so that we can all get through this crisis as a nation.
Activities That Will Be Allowed During Circuit Breaker Phase 3
Heres what to expect as we re-open and allow more activities to resume in the community:
Permitted Phase 3 Activities Deets Group size for gatherings increased from 5 to 8 persons Up to 8 persons for social gatherings and household visitors Capacity limits of premises increased Attractions can start applying to STB to increase operating capacity from 50% to 65% Malls and large standalone stores can increase capacity limits from 10sqm to 8sqm per person Capacity for congregational and worship services increased up to 250 persons Services should still be conducted in zones of 50 persons each May involve live performance elements (eg. with limited number of singers, wind and other instruments) Capacity limits for marriage solemnisations increased to allow 10 persons + up to 8 visitors Hosting household can invite up to 8 visitors (excluding members of hosting household, solemniser, and vendors) Live instrumental music (except for wind instruments) will be allowed for some activities Including indoor marriage solemnisations and funerals Capacity limits for indoor live performances changed to up to 250 persons Audience should still be segregated in zones of 50 persons each Reopening of public camp sites in parks and Pulau Ubin Up to six persons per tent/camping permit allowed Reopening of public BBQ pits in parks Up to eight persons in a group may gather Other notable changes include:
- International borders to be reopened in a controlled and safe manner
- A pilot programme to allow for certain nightlife venues to reopen (d
- A pilot programme for live performances to be held in outdoor venues for up to 250 persons (in zones of 50 each
COVID-19 Vaccine Singapore Phase 3 Update
The Singapore government has set aside $1 billion and signed advance purchase agreements for the right to make early downpayment and purchases for promising vaccines from developers like:
- Moderna
- Pfizer BioNtech
- Sinovac
There are also arrangements made to facilitate clinical trials and drug development locally.
All in a bid to ensure that Singaporeans have early access to such vaccines.
The good news is that HSA (HealthScience Authority) has already approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for pandemic use.
And the first shipment will arrive in Singapore by the end of December 2020, making Singapore one of the first countries to obtain this vaccine.
Heres what we know about the COVID-19 vaccines:
- Singapore should have enough vaccines for the entire population by Q3 2021
- MOH has proposed ALL adults be vaccinated and it will be on a voluntary basis
- Priority will be given to healthcare and frontline workers; the elderly and the vulnerable
- Vaccinations will be available to all Singaporeans and long-term residents for FREE
As a global aviation hub, Singapore also plays a crucial role in transporting vaccines around the world.
This is a challenging process as the vaccines require cold store management of -70 C (for context, this is colder than the temperature in the Arctic!).
But, Singapore has a strong ecosystem for cargo handling, and we are gearing up to handle large volumes of vaccine shipments.
Er… Is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?
Here are more details as well as the safety profile of the vaccine:
- Suitable for persons aged 16 and above
- The vaccine will be given in 2 doses that will have to be administered 21 days apart
- The vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women, immunocompromised persons, and those under the age of 16
- All Singaporeans are encouraged to be vaccinated when the vaccine is made available
20 January 2021 Singapore COVID-19 Update: Reopening of Public Campsites and BBQ Pits
Bad news for people who love bad news.
The National Parks Board (NParks) will be reopening about half of the public campsites and BBQ pits it manages.
Public Campsites Booking Singapore
For those who love the great outdoors and dont want to splurge on glamping, you can now book/apply for permits to camp in East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park and West Coast Park. Whereas for Pulau Ubin, you will have to use this form.
But, here are some important points to take note of:
- You can only have a maximum of six campers per tent/camping permit.
- Camping tents will need to be set up at least five metres away from each other.
- You will need to check in with the SafeEntry QR code on the TraceTogether app and keep your apps turned on, or bring your TraceTogether token.
- You will need to wear a mask, except when you are engaging in strenuous exercise, or when consuming food, drink or medication.
- Other terms and conditions stated on the NParks website you can find before you make the booking.
Public BBQ Pits Booking Singapore
Alternatively, if you want to enjoy Singapores parks and feast on delicious food cooked over an open flame, you can now book/apply for permits for BBQ pits at:
- Changi Beach Park
- East Coast Park
- Jurong Lake Gardens
- Labrador Nature Reserve
- Pasir Ris Park
- Sembawang Park
- West Coast Park
But, here are some important points to take note of:
- You will need to check in with the SafeEntry QR code on the TraceTogether app and keep your apps turned on, or bring your TraceTogether token.
- You will need to wear a mask, except when you are engaging in strenuous exercise, or when consuming food, drink or medication.
- You are not allowed to gather in groups of more than eight people.
- You will need to keep a safe distance of at least one metre from other visitors.
- Observe the signs and instructions from our officers in our gardens, parks and nature reserves.
- Permits are valid from 12 to 10.30pm
20 October 2020 Singapore COVID-19 Update: From Phase 2 to Phase 3 (Safe Nation) and Beyond
To enter Phase 3, Singapore needs to be super confident that we can deal with and manage COVID-19 adequately.
On 20 October, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce MMTF) has highlighted 3 key enablers for Phase 3 to happen:
1. Continued Adherence to Safe Management Measures
To prevent a resurgence of COVID-19, as we have seen in other countries as they open up to more activities.
We will have to keep up the habits and practices of the past few months.
- Small group sizes both in public and for visitors to homes
- Safe distancing to disallow or minimise interactions between groups
- Social responsibility by wearing masks, maintaining strict personal hygiene, and seeking medical attention for any symptoms of acute respiratory infection
2. Pre-Event Testing
From mid-October to December 2020, pre-event testing will take place at larger-scale and higher-risk activities like:
- wedding receptions
- live performances
- sports events, and etc
This will hopefully allow more activities to resume safely.
3. Expansion of Digital Contact Tracing Tools
A higher take-up rate (70 per cent of Singapores population) for TraceTogether needs to happen before Phase 3 can begin.
This will allow the Ministry of Health to quickly contact trace and ringfence any infections.
So What Does Phase 3 Look Like?
Once these 3 key enablers are met, we will be able to move to Phase 3.
1. Increasing Group Size
The group size for public gatherings and the number of visitors allowed in homes could be increased from 5 persons to 8 persons.
2. Increasing Capacity Limits
The capacity limits for public venues (eg. museums) and events (eg. weddings) could be increased with multiple zones of 50 persons.
As mentioned earlier, this might also involve a pre-event test.
3. Considerations for Activities in Higher-Risk Settings
HIgher-risk settings like:
- bars
- karaoke lounges
- nightclubs
- pubs
cannot open as their activities pose a higher risk of transmission.
They are unlikely to resume at the start of Phase 3 but the MMTF is considering limited pilots to see how the industry can resume safely.
4. Facilitating Travel and Re-Opening of Borders
Singapore is gradually allowing more travel to resume in a safe manner.
For travellers from low-risk countries or regions, the unilateral opening of borders and Air Travel Bubbles will allow them to enter Singapore with a COVID-19 test and without a need to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
For travellers from higher-risk countries or regions, more ways are being explored to allow more travellers to enter Singapore without a need to serve SHN while minimising risk of transmission.
Currently, Singapore Citizens, PRs, and Long-Term Pass Holders who travel out of Singapore from 27 March 2020 onwards are responsible for their own inpatient medical bills if they have onset of COVID-19 symptoms.
However, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can use existing government subsidies and make claims under your health insurance (including MediShield Life, Integrated Shield plans, and private health insurance).
Whereas for long term pass holders (LTPHs), they will have to tap on their usual financing arrangements, like private insurance for example.
But with the move to reopen our borders, individuals travelling overseas will have access to government subsidies and insurance coverage…
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