Tougher penalties imposed for food delivery personnel who disregard S'pore's safe distancing guidelines
The stiffer measures came amidst the surge of delivery orders in the Lion City.
Food delivery personnel who do not adhere to Singapore’s safe distancing guidelines will be blacklisted from participating in delivery jobs across GrabFood, Deliveroo and Foodpanda for 12 months, as the country attempts to slow down the spread of COVID-19 during its ‘circuit breaker’ period.
Errant F&B establishments found allowing delivery personnel or customers to cluster together at their outlets will also be fined or ordered to suspend operations for failing to comply.
The stiffer measures came amidst the surge of delivery orders in the Lion City.
“Following the ban on dining-in since 7 April 2020, the demand for food delivery services has also increased by about 20% to 30%, and this strong demand is expected to sustain for a period of time,” according to a joint statement issued by Enterprise Singapore (ESG), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
The country’s biggest delivery platforms are rolling out additional measures to ensure adherence to safe distancing measures. This includes instructions to wear masks at all times during their work, mandating contactless delivery, frequent handwashing and frequent cleaning of food carriers and warmers used for food delivery.
Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act passed in their Parliament on 7 April, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to SG$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Subsequent offences may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to twelve months, or both.
“We urge businesses and delivery personnel to be socially responsible and fully cooperate with the safe distancing measures that have been put in place for everyone’s safety. The Government will continue to deploy safe distancing ambassadors and enforcement officers island-wide, to ensure compliance by businesses and delivery personnel,” the statement added.
Users of the delivery services are told to support contactless delivery, and report delivery personnel who do not follow safe distancing or good personal hygiene practices to their companies.
