Updated 29 Aug 2022: Wearing a mask optional from 29 Aug 2022
Masks will still have to be worn on transport modes such as the MRT, LRT and public buses, as well as in indoor public transport facilities like boarding areas at bus interchanges and MRT platforms, said Mr Wong, speaking at a press conference held by the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force.
But they will not be required at airports, naturally ventilated bus interchanges and in the retail areas of bus interchanges, MRT and LRT stations. Masks will be optional on private transport modes such as taxis, school buses and private bus services, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a separate press release on Wednesday.
COVID-19: To Mask or not to Mask
Masks optional outdoors starting today 29 Mar 2022
Singapore will see its most significant easing of measures in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic from Tuesday (Mar 29). For two years, masks were the norm - indoors, outdoors, even during exercise.
Last week, however, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the easing of a raft of measures in “a major step towards living with COVID-19”, but stopped short of a complete opening up. From tomorrow, people will be able to remove their masks when outdoors. Individuals can gather and dine-in at restaurants in groups of up to 10 people. More people will see their colleagues in the office, and live performances will return.
Places that are sheltered but with open access will generally be regarded as outdoor areas. These include HDB void decks, bus stops, open-air sheltered walkways and bridges, as well as parks, fields and nature trails. The 1m safe distancing rule will still be required in all mask-off environments.
Optional to wear masks outdoors as Singapore takes 'decisive step' in living with COVID-19
Mask-wearing outdoors optional from Tuesday (Mar 29)
Singapore will raise the size of group gatherings from five to 10 people and make mask-wearing outdoors optional from Tuesday (Mar 29), announced Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday as part of the country’s “decisive step forward” towards living with COVID-19.
Other changes to the country's safe management measures include allowing up to 75 per cent of employees who can work from home to return to their workplace, and raising the capacity limit for larger events to 75 per cent.
It will remain mandatory for people to wear a mask indoors, although donning one outdoors will be optional as the risk of outdoor transmission is “significantly lower”, said Mr Lee in a televised address to the nation. Safe distancing requirements – keeping a 1m distance between groups where masks are off – will remain in place for now to minimise transmission in mask-off settings.
MBS Badge Lady memes once again prove that Singaporeans can be creative AF
So, a few hours ago, it was announced that masks will no longer be mandatory in outdoor settings from 29 March. In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that this part of a “decisive step forward” for Singapore to live with Covid-19. Other changes to the Safe Management Measures (SMMs) that were announced include:
- The group size for social gatherings will be doubled from the current five persons limit to 10 persons.
- 75% of employees who can work from home can return to offices, up from 50%.
- The capacity limit for larger events and settings of more than 1,000 people will be increased to 75%
These various changes will take effect on 29 March, Tuesday. Safe distancing requirements to remain unchanged. Although wearing masks outdoors will be made optional, however, indoor mask-wearing will still be mandatory. Similarly, safe distancing requirements – keeping a 1m distance between groups where masks are off – will remain in place, for now, to minimise transmission in mask-off settings as well.
Following the news that Singapore will make wearing masks outdoors optional, Singaporeans began flooding the Internet space once again with creative memes made inspired by the infamous MBS Badge Lady.
Authorities investigating 'Badge Lady' for walking around Jewel Changi Airport unmasked
Ms Phoon Chiu Yoke leaving the State Courts in May last year. PHOTO: ST FILE
The authorities are investigating a March 12 incident allegedly involving a maskless Ms Phoon Chiu Yoke, who was jailed last year for not wearing a mask in public on numerous occasions.
Ms Phoon, 54, was allegedly spotted walking around Jewel Changi Airport without a mask on, in a video submitted to news website Mothership. The incident happened about a week after influencer Wendy Cheng, also known as Xiaxue, 37, posted a video on Instagram on March 6 of a woman believed to be Ms Phoon walking around Orchard Road.
The woman did not have a mask on, and wore sunglasses similar to those Ms Phoon was spotted wearing outside the State Courts for her multiple court appearances last year. An Enterprise Singapore (ESG) spokesman said the agency has identified the woman in the latest video as the same person seen not wearing a mask in Orchard Road on March 6.
'MBS badge lady' seen without mask at Jewel Changi Airport yet again
For Phoon Chiu Yoke, known more popularly as the MBS Badge Lady, it’s probably gotten to a point where she feels the world is out to get – or rather film – her wherever she roams. Just a week since she was spotted by local blogger Xiaxue wandering Orchard Road without her mask on, the former naval officer has been at it again.
In a new video submitted to Mothership by a reader, Phoon was seen in public unmasked and walking around Jewel Changi Airport on March 12 at about 4.30pm. This time, she exercised a bit of strategy – holding an item in hand, which appeared to be either food or beverage (an ice cream cone?) and which provided her with “cover” for not wearing a mask while out and about. Seriously, there may not be a person on the planet more adversed to wearing a mask than she is.
Phoon, 55, gained notoriety in May 2021 after being filmed refusing to wear a mask at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) when approached by a social distancing officer. She would go on to commit multiple Covid-19 breaches over the next year or so, and was eventually jailed for 16 weeks on Sept 6, 2021 after pleading guilty to nine charges of breaching Covid-19 safe distancing measures.
related: 'MBS badge lady' back on the streets sans mask; Xiaxue gets glared at after approaching her
Xiaxue meets badge lady (still not wearing mask)
“I went to approach her and ask her to be interviewed and she ignored me just glared at me then I asked if she is the badge lady and she glared at me...” — Xiaxue
Phoon Chiu Yoke, or the woman now also known as “Badge Lady” was once again spotted in public not wearing a mask. On Sunday (March 6), popular blogger Wendy Cheng aka Xiaxue was filming along Orchard Road and saw the infamous Badge Lady.
In an Instagram story, Xiaxue filmed Phoon and wrote: “OMG I SAW THE BADGE LADY TODAY!!!” “I went to approach her and ask her to be interviewed and she ignored me just glared at me then I asked if she is the badge lady and she glared at me in silence and walked off,” Xiaxue wrote. She added: “She really next level really not wearing mask!!! I love how she really die die stick to her principles”.
Xiaxue added that half an hour later, Phoon walked by her again and was still not wearing a mask. Phoon was infamously caught on camera refusing to wear a face mask, despite being asked to do so by safe distancing ambassadors.
‘Badge Lady’ Gets 16 Weeks’ Jail For Not Wearing Mask At MBS & Public Places
As part of Covid-19 measures, wearing a mask when outside is compulsory at all times except when eating and drinking.
One lady who was seen not wearing a mask at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) was sentenced to jail on Monday (6 Sep).
Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reports that Phoon Chiu Yoke, 54, was given 16 weeks of jail for 9 charges of Covid-19 breaches after she pleaded guilty.
Another ‘Badge Lady’? Maskless woman asks doctor for his ID when he asks her to wear a mask
A woman refusing to wear a mask at a condominium shouted at and abused a doctor who asked her to put one on. In a video circulated on Sunday (June 13) on WhatsApp Messenger, a maskless woman who was walking by a pool was seen shouting at a man in blue scrubs.
The clip seemed to have been taken at Summerhill condominium in Clementi. It started off with the woman talking about Hinduism. While it is unclear what she was saying at the beginning, she could be heard shouting, “Wrong religion, wrong religion.”
When the man in scrubs — apparently, a doctor — tried to talk to her, she asked: “Are you from the Government?” He could be seen shaking his head, causing her to reply: “He’s not from the Government, go to hell!” It seemed that the doctor was trying to give her advice. The woman repeatedly shouted: “I don’t take free advice. What are you doing? Get lost! Get lost!”
MBS badge woman claims to be 'eyewitness' to many 'grave matters' in SAF, wants all charges dropped
A 53-year-old woman, who was a former naval officer, told the court on June 15 that she does not expect to get a fair hearing and should be "granted immunity" as a regular citizen.
Phoon Chiu Yoke claimed this is due to her past cases while serving in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and asked for all charges to be dropped.
She faces seven charges of not wearing her mask in various places and breaching her Stay-Home Notice. Phoon was representing herself.
Woman who refused to wear mask at MBS offered bail, asks for charges against her to be dropped
Phoon Chiu Yoke leaving the State Courts on May 24. She has been offered an $8,000 bail. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
A woman who was captured on video refusing to wear a mask at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort has been offered bail, after she was remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for two weeks. Phoon Chiu Yoke, 53, has been offered $8,000 bail.
She faces seven charges for various offences, including failing to wear a mask at MBS, Newton hawker centre, Clarke Quay Central, Bras Basah Complex, and outside the State Courts building.
On Tuesday (June 8), Phoon told the court four times that she was a naval officer with a "strong professional standing", and asked for the charges against her to be dropped. “I have a very strong professional standing, not only in Singapore, but globally ... I served in the navy for 12 years and was the first female commanding officer,” she said.
Woman who challenged SDA at MBS shows up at court without mask
Phoon Chiu Yoke was wearing sunglasses as she approached the building, and only put a mask on as she neared the entrance. The Straits Times
The woman seen in a viral video clip refusing to don a mask while at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) on May 15 approached the State Courts building on Monday afternoon (May 24) without wearing a mask.
Phoon Chiu Yoke, 53, who had sunglasses on, put on a mask only when she was near the entrance. She arrived at the court alone around 1.15pm for a hearing on a charge for an alleged offence last year under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act.
She is contesting a criminal charge for failing to wear a mask over her nose and mouth "at all times" at Newton Hawker Centre between 7.20pm and 8pm on May 8, 2020. Phoon is accused of committing the offence during the circuit breaker period, which was imposed between April 7 and June 1 last year to curb the spread of Covid-19. On Monday afternoon, the prosecution applied for an adjournment of the trial, pending further investigations.
Woman who refused to wear mask at MBS being investigated
The woman had allegedly not worn a mask despite repeated advice from a safe distancing ambassador to do so.PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM FACEBOOK
A woman who refused to wear a mask at Marina Bay Sands is being investigated by the police.
In a statement on Saturday evening (May 15), the police said the 53-year-old woman had allegedly not worn a mask despite numerous requests from a safe distancing ambassador (SDA) to do so.
They received a call for assistance at about 5.15pm on Saturday, and are investigating her for public nuisance and breaching safe distancing measures.
related:
A Timeline Of ‘Badge Woman’ Being Caught On Camera Going Mask-Free & Breaching SHN
Phoon's father describes her as kind-hearted person who sponsored orphans
A woman who says she’s an “ex-naval officer” was handed six charges in court today (May 25), five for breaching Covid-19 measures by repeatedly going mask-free in public, and one for breaching her stay-home notice.
A video of Phoon Chiu Yoke, 53, went viral online on May 15 when she was filmed at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands without a mask on. The clip also showed her arguing with a safe distancing ambassador who had approached her to put on a mask.
Phoon was subsequently arrested by the police for public nuisance and breaching safe distancing regulations. It later surfaced that she had already flouted the mandatory mask measure on several occasions in 2020 and 2021, and was photographed in malls without a mask by members of the public. Should you find it hard to keep track, here’s a timeline:
- May 8, 2020: Mask-free at Newton Hawker Centre
- June 28, 2020: Breached SHN at MBS
- Dec 2, 2020: mask-free at Clarke Quay Central mall
- May 18, 2021: Mask-free at Bras Basah Complex
Covidiot: Where's your badge?
Prince Shawn Yesterday at 3:29 PM
The Online Citizen Asia May 15 at 7:59 PM
Woman shown to appear in public without mask at various locations.
A series of videos have emerged on social media showing a woman appearing at Vivocity, Marina Bay Sand and Clark Quay Central walking about without mask and refusing to wear mask after being asked to do so.
It is uncertain if any enforcement action been taken against the woman. According to the time stamp on the videos, the earliest incident took place last year December.
Auntie not wearing a mask at Tiong Bahru Plaza
Another video of a woman walking around without a mask has resurfaced, making its way around the internet. A woman at Tiong Bahru Plaza was seen not wearing a mask.
In a video taken and posted on TikTok, the woman can be seen rummaging around in her bag before taking a mask out. The man filming the video confronts her and says: “I just told you to put on a mask right? You’re just being -“
“Just now drop on the floor la!” she rudely shouts at the man.
Man who refused to wear mask on MRT arrested for allegedly flouting Covid-19 safe distancing measures
Rail operator SMRT said it had made a police report about the incident.PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM KEEFE CHAN/FACEBOOK
A 39-year-old man who refused to wear a mask while on the MRT train was arrested by the police on Sunday (May 9) for allegedly causing public nuisance and flouting safe distancing measures.
In a video circulating on social media, the man can be seen telling fellow commuters loudly: "I'm very religious... I hate seeing uncles, granddads with the mask on."
When a fellow commuter offers him a mask, the man rejects it. The video also shows a commuter leaving her seat when he takes the one next to her.
Keefe Chan May 8 at 8:46 AM
Another sovereign who refused to wear mask on MRT towards Redhill last night.
What shall we do to these people?
'Sovereign' woman in S'pore gets 2-week jail & S$2,000 fine for not wearing mask, public nuisance
For not wearing a mask without reasonable excuse, Kaur could have been jailed up to six months, fined up to S$10,000, or both
Paramjeet Kaur, 41, who claimed she was a "sovereign" and refused to wear a mask in Shunfu Mart was sentenced to two weeks' jail and a fine of S$2,000 on May 7.
According to Channel News Asia, Kaur pleaded guilty to a charge each for public nuisance & for failing to wear a mask. 5 other charges were taken into consideration by District Judge Ronald Gwee during sentencing - 3 for breaching Covid-19 regulations, 2 for failing to report her change of home address, and 1 for refusing to sign her statement at a police station - reported The Straits Times.
The sentence was backdated so Kaur, who was remanded for two weeks at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), will not need to serve any more jail time. She was not found to suffer from any mental disorders.
Flouting safe distancing measures, abusing enforcement officers will not be tolerated, says Masagos
Those who disregard safe distancing measures are putting not just themselves but also their families at risk of Covid-19 infection, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said on Friday (April 24).
He also warned that those who abuse enforcement officers on the ground will have to bear the full brunt of the law.
"Whether you are old or young you should be staying home," he stressed, adding that those who think "it is fun" to flout the rules could end up being infected and infecting others around them as well, said Mr Masagos during an interview with The Straits Times' weekday talk show The Big Story on Friday (Apr 24).
related:
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Man charged with spitting in public place, using criminal force on public servant
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read more
Those who disregard safe distancing measures are putting not just themselves but also their families at risk of Covid-19 infection, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said on Friday (April 24).
He also warned that those who abuse enforcement officers on the ground will have to bear the full brunt of the law.
"Whether you are old or young you should be staying home," he stressed, adding that those who think "it is fun" to flout the rules could end up being infected and infecting others around them as well, said Mr Masagos during an interview with The Straits Times' weekday talk show The Big Story on Friday (Apr 24).
related:
6 youths in video fined for gathering on bridge, flouting safe distancing measures
Man charged with spitting in public place, using criminal force on public servant
170 people fined for flouting safe distancing rules
Man charged over hitting safe distancing ambassador when advised not to loiter
4 charged with offences linked to masking up incidents
12 police reports for verbal physical abuse of safe distancing enforcement officers
read more
Charged with COVID-19-related offences
For not wearing a mask without reasonable excuse, Kaur could have been jailed up to six months, fined up to S$10,000, or both
Paramjeet Kaur, 41, who claimed she was a "sovereign" and refused to wear a mask in Shunfu Mart was sentenced to two weeks' jail and a fine of S$2,000 on May 7.
According to Channel News Asia, Kaur pleaded guilty to a charge each for public nuisance & for failing to wear a mask. 5 other charges were taken into consideration by District Judge Ronald Gwee during sentencing - 3 for breaching Covid-19 regulations, 2 for failing to report her change of home address, and 1 for refusing to sign her statement at a police station - reported The Straits Times.
The sentence was backdated so Kaur, who was remanded for two weeks at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), will not need to serve any more jail time. She was not found to suffer from any mental disorders.
When A Mask Is A Must
Anyone who leaves home must now wear a mask, as Singapore ramps up measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.
In the latest update to social distancing requirements, the multi-ministry task force handling the virus outbreak announced at a press conference yesterday that wearing of masks will be made mandatory with immediate effect.
The only exceptions are for children under the age of two and those out doing strenuous exercises like jogging.
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