Singapore makes face masks compulsory as coronavirus infections surge to 3,252 amid mass testing of migrant workers

Flouting the new rule will result in an initial fine of US$212, according to authorities

The government has warned cases will keep rising as migrant workers – who make up more than 40 per cent of all patients – are tested

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People wear face masks in Singapore’s financial district as a preventive measure against the spread of Covid-19. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:16pm, 14 Apr 2020Updated: 10:55am, 15 Apr 2020

Singapore has made it compulsory for all those who leave home to wear masks, in a dramatic turnaround of its previous policy, as coronavirus infections in the island nation surged to 3,252 on Tuesday with 334 new cases confirmed.

Those who flout this new rule for the first time will be fined S$300 (US$212), with repeat offenders facing a penalty of S$1,000 (US$707), while foreigners could lose their residence permit – the same penalties for those flouting social distancing measures.

The city state had initially discouraged residents from wearing masks, saying surgical masks should be conserved for health care workers, but reversed its stance earlier this month following new research showing that asymptomatic patients could spread Covid-19. It distributed reusable face masks to residents last week.

Over the weekend, authorities said those visiting supermarkets, convenience stories, pharmacies and malls would need to wear masks, along with anyone taking public transport.

National development minister Lawrence Wong urged Singaporeans to comply with the new measures, “not just to avoid the penalties, but to protect ourselves and our families and our loved ones”.

“Please, please do not use this mask-wearing requirement now to say, ‘OK I can go out. I wear a mask and it’s OK to go out’, because, in fact, you should not go out,” he said. “As much as possible just stay at home.”

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Singapore makes face masks compulsory as coronavirus infections surge to 3,252 amid mass testing of migrant workers

Flouting the new rule will result in an initial fine of US$212, according to authorities The government has warned cases will keep rising as migrant workers – who make up more than 40 per cent of all patients – are tested

Flouting the new rule will result in an initial fine of US$212, according to authorities

The government has warned cases will keep rising as migrant workers – who make up more than 40 per cent of all patients – are tested