COVID-19: 2 Singaporeans, 1 American charged for breaching Stay-Home Notices
SINGAPORE — Two Singaporeans and an American were charged in the State Courts on Tuesday (21 April) for contravening their Stay-Home Notices (SHN) to leave their residences during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Singaporeans Chong Chun Wah, 47, and Siti Wan Su’Aidah Samsuri, 25, as well as American Brian Dugan Yeargan, 44, were all accused of breaching the Infectious Diseases Act and its regulations in March and April.
Brian Dugan Yeargan
According to his charge sheet, Yeargan – a pilot – arrived in Singapore from Australia on 3 April and was issued a short-term visit pass valid for 30 days, along with an SHN from 3 to 17 April.
He stayed at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, but left his accommodation on 5 April to take a train from Changi Airport Station to City Hall Station. He then allegedly walked to Chinatown Point to buy some personal items, spending about three hours outside.
Yeargan faces a charge under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020.
His lawyer Ronnie Tan asked if his case can be expedited, as Yeargan is supposed to be back in the United States on 5 April for military service in the US Air Force.
Yeargan, a FedEx pilot, is also flying with the US Air Force on humanitarian missions involving cargoes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tan told the court that Yeargan missed the first military programme as he was in Singapore, hence he needed to conclude the court case to report back.
Tan also said that his client is worried about his family back home.
Yeargan’s next mention has been fixed on Thursday.
Chong Chun Wah
Chong is said to have arrived in Singapore from Indonesia on 17 March, and he was served with an SHN until 31 March. However, he left his flat at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9 thrice during this period, said the ICA.
On 24 March, he allegedly took a bus to visit a coffeeshop at 252 Jurong East Street 24 at 3.38pm and spent one-and-a-half hours outside. On 28 March, he allegedly left his residence at 2pm for some five minutes to check his mail at the ground floor of his block. The next day, he supposedly went to another coffeeshop at 447 Bukit Batok West Avenue 9 to purchase food and spent some 30 to 45 minutes outside.
Chong has three charges - one under Section 21A(1) of the Infectious Diseases Act and two under the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020. He intends to plead guilty, and does not wish to engage a lawyer. His next hearing is on 8 May.
Siti Wan Su’Aidah Samsuri
Siti returned from Australia on 25 March and was served with an SHN lasting till 8 April. On 30 March, she allegedly left her Woodlands Drive 14 residence at 2.45pm and walked to Vista Point to buy groceries and cigarettes.
She then failed to respond to multiple calls by health officers between 2.47pm and 2.52pm, as part of enforcement checks. She spent some 15 to 20 minutes outside, according to ICA.
Siti was charged with one count each of violating the Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 – Stay Orders) Regulations 2020 and the Infectious Diseases (Measures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19) Regulations 2020.
Prosecutors said that they would not be objecting to a non-jail sentence for Siti. The unrepresented woman said she would try to engage a lawyer by her next hearing on 8 May.
SHNs to control imported cases of COVID-19
With effect from 11.59pm on 16 March, the authorities had imposed SHNs on all residents, long-term and short-term pass holders entering Singapore with a travel history to any ASEAN country within the last 14 days. An SHN means that the recipient must remain in their residence at all times for two weeks.
The SHN requirement was extended to all visitors entering Singapore from 11.59pm on 9 April and they are required to serve their SHNs at dedicated facilities. The SHNs were put in place to control imported cases of COVID-19.
If convicted under the Infectious Diseases Act and its Regulations, each of three accused may be jailed up to six months, fined up to $10,000, or both.
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