As Singapore gradually reopens its borders, various measures are being taken to ensure that things are kept under control. In a joint statement on August 3, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the ministries of Manpower and Education (MOM) announced that incoming travellers to Singapore who are completing their two-week stay-home notice (SHN) at home will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure that they comply to quarantine measures.
This follows the implementation of Singapore's stay-home rule, which was extended to all incoming travellers from March 21. Here's a refresher: anyone returning from overseas is required to serve the notice either at home or dedicated facilities such as hotels. They will also have to take a swab test at designated community testing facilities before the end of the stay-home period. Travellers from destinations where the situation is under control – such as mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia (except for the state of Victoria) – can serve the notice at their place of residence.
Starting from August 10 at 11.59 pm, the electronic monitoring devices will be given to incoming travellers from these countries – including citizens, permanent residence, long-term pass holders, work pass holders and their dependents. The devices are required to be worn throughout the mandatory stay-home period. Children aged 12 and below, however, are exempted from the requirement.
The devices will be issued at checkpoints after immigration and will have to be activated once the individuals arrive at their place of residence. GPS and 4G or Bluetooth signals are then used to determine if the individual is within range of their registered place of residence. The electronic monitoring devices are rolled out to replace the existing combination of text messages, voice and video calls and house visits the authorities have been using to ensure quarantine measures are observed. However, travellers can rest assured that the devices do not store any personal data and cannot record video or audio.
Don't think you can prison break your way out of this, either. There is a fine of up to $10,000 or a jail sentence of up to six months for those who tamper with or remove the device. Once the SHN is completed, the devices have to be deactivated and disposed of or returned.
Singapore's latest move echoes Hong Kong's scheme, introduced in March for arriving travellers to use a slim electronic wristband; as well as measures in South Korea, which has issued wristbands connected to smartphone apps.
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