Covid-19: 4 condominium residents caught using pools & gym in breach of safe distancing rules, fined S$300

The management of one condominium was also fined S$1,000 for failing to close its common facilities.

Nigel Chua | April 20, 2020, 11:54 AM

Four condominium residents have been fined S$300 each for breaching safe distancing rules, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said in an Apr. 20 media release.

Three cases of residents using common facilities

Three of the cases involved residents who used common facilities in their condominiums:

  • A resident had used the pool at a condominium at Irrawaddy Road
  • A resident had brought her children to play by the pool at a condominium at Flora Road
  • A resident was found using the common gym at a condominium at Amber Road

The Amber Road condominium was also found to have failed to close all of its common facilities, and was issued a composition fine of S$1,000, BCA said.

Since Apr. 7, sports or recreation facilities which are common property cannot be used, as part of stricter safe distancing rules during the month-long national circuit breaker period, which lasts till May 4.

BCA said that this is to reduce movement and interactions in common spaces and minimise contact between individuals from different households.

One case of a resident failing to wear a mask

A resident was also found not wearing a mask at the main entrance of a condominium at Sims Drive.

BCA clarified that condominium residents who need to leave their homes for valid reasons must wear a mask even within the compounds of their estates.

From Apr. 14, wearing of masks is compulsory for anyone who steps outside of their house, with limited exceptions such as when they are exercising or smoking.

Masks are not compulsory for children under the age of two, at the recommendation of medical experts.

BCA conducting checks

BCA said that it has been conducting checks on condominiums and other strata-titled residential developments.

Over 230 developments have been checked since Apr. 7, and random checks by BCA's offices will continue during the circuit breaker period, BCA said.

Reporting non-compliance to BCA

BCA also said that it has been receiving feedback on non-compliance with safe distancing measures, and that "proper information", such as the location, date and time, as well as photographic evidence, has been helpful in investigations.

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Top photo by Marcus Ng on Unsplash