Safe distancing ambassador forgot to wear mask after visiting restroom, Enterprise Singapore explains

Safe distancing ambassadors (SDA) may be out on the streets in full force to ensure Singaporeans abide by circuit breaker rules, but one of them just learnt a painful lesson that the law is impartial.

A SDA who drew the ire of netizens after he was spotted without a mask has been fined $300, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) told AsiaOne.

The man, who has not been named, was seen walking around White Sands Shopping Mall sans mask reportedly on April 15.

He was accompanied by another SDA who had a mask on.

On April 14, the government announced that it is mandatory for all who leave their house to wear a mask. Those who do not comply face a fine of $300 for the first offence and $1,000 for the second offence.

Photos of the men were posted to the public Facebook group Complaint Singapore on April 16, attracting a horde of angry comments and calls for the SDA in question to be punished.

An ESG spokesperson confirmed that the photographed SDA had been deployed on the ground to conduct surveillance checks at shopping malls.

SDAs ensure that businesses follow safe-distancing measures but they do not impose fines.

He had gone to the restroom during a break and forgot to put on his mask after emerging, the spokesperson explained, adding that he masked up immediately after being reminded by other SDAs.

The man was issued a "stern warning" as well as a $300 fine and has apologised, ESG said. 

About 100 others were caught not wearing masks while they were out on April 17, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said in a Facebook post the same day.

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kimberlylim@asiaone.com