The Police have conducted enforcement checks at about 850 massage establishments islandwide over the last two weeks, as part of stepped up efforts to ensure that all staffs and customers adhere to safe measurement measures, and existing rules under the Massage Establishments Act.
Over the past few weeks, several clusters of infection have emerged, alongside many unlinked community cases. These developments have demonstrated the need for continued vigilance in the practice of safe management measures by permitted enterprises like massage establishments, which are allowed to operate during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result of the checks conducted, Police will be taking enforcement action against 25 massage establishments for not ensuring the staff and customers wear a mask at all times within the licensed premises, and also 23 individuals for not wearing a mask during their massage. Depending on the seriousness of the breaches found, these massage establishments may be fined between $1000 and $2000, while individuals may be fined $300 and $1000.
Massage Establishment operators who do not comply with safe management measures may also be liable for prosecution under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020. First-time offenders may be liable for a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both. Higher penalties of a fine of up to $20,000, imprisonment for up to twelve months, or both, may apply for subsequent offences.
Members of the public are advised to take the prevailing safe distancing measures seriously. For non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$10,000, or both.
The Police will continue to carry out enhanced checks at massage establishments and will take a firm enforcement stance against those found to have breached safe management measures. Those found breaching the Massage Establishments Act will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Police officers stepping up checks at massage establishments to ensure operators and customers comply with safe distancing measures, such as the mandatory mask wearing regulation, as well as Rules under the Massage Establishments Act.
Police officers checking foreign employee’s AccessCode to verify whether they are permitted to leave their residence for work.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
26 May 2021 @ 8:40 AM