Singapore gets stricter on enforcement to curb spread of virus

A signboard which reads "Beach Closed" is displayed at East Coast Park in Singapore on Sunday (April 12), as the city-state tightens a partial lockdown with stricter rules to contain the spread of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak in the island. - AFP

SINGAPORE: Singapore will start imposing fines on first-timers who flout social-distancing rules, while those who aren’t wearing masks may be barred from entering some premises which provide essential services, as the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus) in the city-state showed few signs of abating.

The government has closed beaches, and some areas of parks and nature reserves, saying "tougher measures” are necessary as safe-distancing measures aren’t being strictly followed. It is also making it mandatory for commuters to wear masks on public transport even after the end of a partial lockdown period.