Yesterday, Parliament passed the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill tabled by the Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong. The law prohibits social gatherings of any size in public spaces and even in your own homes.
Netizens were concerned that the law was too expansive and prohibitive. What constitute “social gatherings”? They were afraid that it may mean that they are unable to check on their elderly parents, some of whom may be living on their own.
Fret not, here, we make it easier for you to understand what you can or cannot do.*
The law sets out a total of 12 scenarios (as well as those “reasonably connected” with these items) where you can leave your home. They are to:
(1) work for or with an essential service provider, a specified school or an early childhood development centre
(2) procure any goods or services from an essential service provider or a specified school
(3) obtain — (i) medical treatment for a suspected Covid-19 infection at a hospital, medical clinic or any other place, designated by the Director for the treatment of Covid-19; or (ii) medical treatment that is of a pressing nature
(4) to engage in any recreational activity in an open-air stadium, public path or public park alone or with any other individual who lives with you.
(5) bring the individual’s child or children to a place where the child or children are to be cared for, in the case where the individual works for an essential service provider.
(6) assist any individual who has a physical or mental disability, or is below 12 years of age or above 60 years of age, with his or her daily needs. [This is where checking in on your elderly parents will apply]
(7) report for enlistment or service under the Enlistment Act.
(8) report to any law enforcement officer or to attend at any court in accordance with any warrant, summons or order made under any written law or order of a court.
(9) be present at any place in accordance with a requirement under any written law.
(10) seek or render help in an emergency.
(11) move to another place of accommodation.
(12) leave Singapore.
Also, wherever you may reside, you are not allowed to enable anyone to enter your residence except (but not limited to) the provision of essential services.
We hope the Act is clearer for you now. Just remember, when in doubt, stay at home.
#CircuitBreaker
