Covid-19: Orchard Hotel suspended for 11-people birthday celebration; 117 people fined for breaching rules at parks, beaches

SINGAPORE — Orchard Hotel has been ordered to suspend its operations for 30 days after the authorities found that it allowed 11 people to gather in a room for a birthday celebration in February. 

During that period, Covid-19 safety regulations allowed gatherings of up to eight people. 

The hotel located in the Orchard Road shopping belt will not be allowed to take any new room bookings from Friday (June 25) to July 24, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) said in a statement on Friday.  

It may, however, continue fulfilling existing bookings made before the suspension order.

Orchard Hotel was also fined S$1,000 for the offence on Feb 6. 

Investigations of the individuals involved in the incident are ongoing and enforcement action may be taken against them, MSE said. 

It also said in its release that the Singapore Tourism Board will continue to conduct regular checks at hotels and take strict enforcement action against any breaches by hotels or their guests.

PARK AND BEACH GOERS FINED 

Separately, 117 people have been fined at public parks and beaches since the start of the Phase Three (heightened alert) period that began last Monday, MSE said.

Their offences included not wearing masks when not engaging in strenuous exercises and gathering in groups larger than five. 

In addition to the 117 individuals handed fines, 1,800 advisories were issued to those found breaching Covid-19 rules at the parks and beaches managed by the National Parks Board. 

First-time individual offenders face a composition fine of S$300 while repeat offenders will face higher fines or prosecution in court for serious cases. 

Operators that breach these measures — which include enforcing a 1m safe distancing between groups of diners — face closures even if it is their first offence.