Singapore legislation
Section 17A
Section 17A
Restricted zones during public health emergency
(1)
If the appropriate Minister is satisfied that there is an outbreak or imminent outbreak of an infectious disease that poses a substantial risk of a significant number of human fatalities or incidents of serious disability in Singapore, he or she may, by order, declare a public health emergency.
(2)
The appropriate Minister may, if it appears necessary or expedient for the securing of public health or safety during a public health emergency, by order declare the whole of or such area in Singapore to be a restricted zone and may in such order prohibit or restrict, subject to such conditions as he or she may think fit —
the entry and stay of persons in any place, building or other premises (whether public or private) within the restricted zone; and
the holding of, or the attendance of persons at, any public meeting, reception, procession or other gathering within the restricted zone.
(3)
Subject to subsection (4), every order made under subsection (1) or (2) remains in force until it is revoked by the appropriate Minister or upon the expiry of 14 days from the date upon which it was made, whichever is the earlier.
(4)
An order made under subsection (1) or (2) may be renewed by declaration of the appropriate Minister from time to time for such period, not exceeding 14 days at a time, as may be specified in the declaration.
(5)
An order made under subsection (1) or (2) and a declaration of renewal made under subsection (4) must be published in the manner that the appropriate Minister thinks necessary for bringing it to the notice of all persons who in the Minister’s opinion ought to have notice thereof and has effect as soon as such notice has been given, without publication in the Gazette.
(6)
A copy of every order made under subsection (1) or (2) and of every declaration of renewal made under subsection (4) must be published in the Gazette and must be presented to Parliament as soon as possible after it has been made and if a resolution is passed by Parliament annulling the order or declaration, it ceases to have effect, despite subsection (3) or (4) (whichever is applicable), but without affecting anything previously done by virtue of the order or declaration.
(7)
Where an order mentioned in subsection (2)(b) is in force, any public officer or officer of any statutory body who is authorised in writing by the Director (called in this section an authorised person) or any police officer may direct the persons at any public meeting, reception, procession or other gathering within the restricted zone to disperse and it is then the duty of the persons so directed to disperse accordingly.
(8)
Any person who, without reasonable excuse, refuses or fails to comply with an order made under subsection (2) or with any direction given by an authorised person or a police officer under subsection (7) —
shall be guilty of an offence; and
may, without affecting any proceedings which may be taken against the person, be arrested without warrant, and may be removed by an authorised person or a police officer from the place in respect of which the order or direction applies.