NEA: Over 800 partially vaccinated diners found at hawker centres in a week

Singapore ― The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Tuesday (Oct 19) that more than 800 people not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 were found eating at hawker centres in the last week.

Beginning Wednesday (Oct 20), enforcement action will be taken against unvaccinated or partially vaccinated diners at hawker centres and coffee shops.

Unvaccinated patrons will not be allowed to dine in at these venues, although they can still take away food.

Children under the age of 12 are exempted and can still dine in at hawker centres even if unvaccinated.

The vaccination-differentiated safe management measures (VDS) were implemented amid a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Safe distancing enforcement officers have been conducting selective checks on these venues as part of their patrols to verify the vaccination status of diners.

“Our emphasis on selective checks also recognises that there are more than 100 hawker centres, each with varying layouts and multiple access points, and more than 1,000 coffeeshops, situated within publicly accessible areas such as HDB void decks,” said NEA.

“Agencies may focus their checks during peak hours and at hotspots that have larger congregations of unvaccinated seniors.”

In addition to the estimated 800 individuals found dining in at the establishments without being fully vaccinated, NEA said enforcement actions were taken against 92 individuals for breaching safe management measures at hawker centres from Oct 15 to 17.

“Offences included gathering in groups of more than two, not maintaining a safe distance of at least one metre and not wearing masks properly, said NEA in a Facebook post.

It reminded the public that VDS are now in place.

Diners can either show safe distancing enforcement officers their vaccination “green tick” verification on the TraceTogether (TT) app or provide their TT token for scanning.

In the past week, those found breaching the dining in rule were told to finish their meals and leave the premises promptly.

“From Oct 20, enforcement action will be taken against persons found to have breached VDS,” noted NEA, although it did not yet specify the penalties.

Those who breach safe management measures will be fined S$300 for first-time offenders and S$1,000 for repeat offenders.

They may also face court prosecution for egregious cases or higher fines if convicted.

“NEA seeks the public’s support to work with safe distancing ambassadors and enforcement officers, who are tasked with ensuring that safe management measures are complied with for everyone’s safety,” said NEA. /TISG

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