Infectious Diseases Act 1976 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 3 · Control of Infectious Diseases Within Singapore
20. Prohibition or restriction of meetings, gatherings and public entertainments
Feedback & supportLast amended by an amending law of 2024. 4 amendments in all.
Where it appears to the Director-General of Health that the holding of any meeting, gathering or any public entertainment is likely to increase the spread of any infectious disease, the Director-General of Health may by order prohibit or restrict, subject to such conditions as the Director-General of Health may think fit, for a period not exceeding 14 days, the meeting, gathering or public entertainment in any place.
Director-General
“Director-General” means the Director‑General of Public Health appointed under section 3(1) of the Environmental Public Health Act 1987;
An order under subsection (1) may be renewed by the Director-General of Health from time to time for such period, not exceeding 14 days, as the Director-General of Health may, by written notice, specify.
Any person who holds, is present at or has taken part in any meeting, gathering or public entertainment in contravention of an order or any condition imposed by the Director-General of Health under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence.
A Health Officer or a police officer may take any action that is necessary to give effect to an order under subsection (1).
Health Officer
“Health Officer” means a Health Officer appointed by the Director‑General, the Director‑General, Food Administration or the Director under section 4;
Any person who is aggrieved by any order of the Director-General of Health under subsection (1) may, within 7 days from the date of the order, appeal to the appropriate Minister whose decision is final.
appropriate Minister
“appropriate Minister” means —(a)in the following cases, the Minister charged with the responsibility for health and sanitary measures in relation to vessels, aircraft, vehicles and persons entering or leaving Singapore:(i)the establishment of any advisory committee under section 5 for the purpose of giving advice to the Director‑General or the Director‑General, Food Administration;(ii)any purpose relating to sections 28, 29 and 33 to 45, including the making of subsidiary legislation in relation to any of those sections; or(b)in any other case, the Minister charged with the responsibility for regulation of diseases and disease control;
Even though an appeal under subsection (5) is pending, an order made by the Director-General of Health under subsection (1) takes effect from the date specified by the Director-General of Health, unless the appropriate Minister otherwise directs.