12 people have been charged in court for breaching safe distancing measures at Lazarus Island.

The accused persons are:

• Jeffs Lowri Mair
• Jeff Richard Alexander
• Roth Joshua Adam
• Helen Ann Sullivan
• Lagesse Richard Henri
• Cronk Zoe Louise
• Natalie Joanna Sarkies
• Trimming James Riby Oram
• Luong Thi Thu Ha
• Dunford William Edwin
• Edward John Joseph Lee-Bull
• Paul Jonathan Gold

Of the 12, Natalie Joanna Sarkies is a Singaporean Citizen, while Luong Thi Thu Ha is a Permanent Resident (PR).

All of them have since been granted a personal bond of S$2,000 with usual bail conditions and the need to surrender their passports.

Prosecution had asked for bail

Initially, the prosecution had asked for a bail of S$3,000 for each suspect, with either a Singaporean or PR as the surety of the accused.

However, the defence objected and pointed out that the only Singaporeans/PR that the accused knew were from work.

In response, the judge granted a personal bond of S$2,000 for each of the accused.

This means the accused themselves are responsible for forking out the sum of money for their own release.

Visited Lazarus Island on Aug. 8

The 12 had allegedly visited Lazarus Island on Aug. 8, and violated the Covid-19 regulations which prohibit social gatherings of more than five people who do not stay in the same place of residence.

Under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to S$10,000, up to six months' imprisonment, or both.

Subsequent offenders may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

Social gatherings of up to five people have been allowed since June 19, Phase 2 of Singapore's reopening.

Individuals should also maintain a safe distance of at least one metre at all times.

Related story

Totally unrelated but follow and listen to our podcast here:

Top image from Nataliesarkies Instagram