Starting August 10, all incoming travellers entering Singapore who are serving their Stay-Home Notice (SHN) outside of SHN dedicated facilities (SDFs) will need to wear an electronic monitoring device throughout the 14-day period.
This includes Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass holders, Work Pass holders and their dependants, said a joint statement released by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Those aged 12 and below will be exempted from this requirement, the statement added.
Since March 21, all travellers entering Singapore have been required to serve a 14-day SHN at their place of residence, or at SDFs. They are tested for COVID-19 at designated community testing facilities before the end of their SHN period.
Those serving SHN are monitored by the ICA, MOM and MOE via a combination of manual and automated text messages and phone/video calls, and physical house visits with action taken against those who breach the SHN requirements.
“With the progressive lifting of travel restrictions, the use of wearable electronic monitoring devices will enable ICA, MOM and MOE to monitor those serving SHN at their place of residence more effectively,” said the statement.
Electronic Monitoring Devices
Upon arrival in Singapore, travellers serving their SHN at their place of residence will be issued an electronic monitoring device at the checkpoints, after immigration clearance. They will need to activate the electronic monitoring device upon reaching their place of residence. If the device is not activated as required, the authorities will follow up to determine their location, and assist to resolve any technical difficulties, or take enforcement action.
During the 14-day SHN, persons wearing these devices may receive notifications on these devices and need to acknowledge them in a timely manner.
“Any attempt to leave the place of residence or tamper with the electronic device will trigger an alert to the authorities, who will conduct follow-up investigations, except when the person is leaving his/her place of residence for his/her appointment for the COVID-19 test,” the statement said.
After serving their SHN, they need to deactivate the device and dispose of or return it in accordance with the instructions.