SINGAPORE - Two men will be charged in court on Friday (Aug 20) for breaching their stay-home notice (SHN) requirements and thereby exposing others to the risk of Covid-19 infection. On April 30, Thanasegaran Elancharan, 26, and Yeo Ee Kai, 25, arrived in Singapore from the Dominican Republic and were served with SHNs from April 30 to May 21. The two Singaporeans were each informed by an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer that they were not allowed to leave their individual rooms in the dedicated facility or have visitors for the duration of their SHN. The two men were subsequently brought to the same dedicated facility in Orchard and assigned different rooms to serve their SHN. On May 11, Thanasegaran allegedly left his room on several occasions and was found loitering in the common corridor without wearing a face mask. The two men also allegedly agreed for Thanasegaran to visit Yeo in the latter's room. Yeo allowed him to enter his room, with Thanasegaran remaining there for about 1½ hours. Those who breach SHN requirements are liable to prosecution under the Infectious Diseases Act, the Infectious Diseases (Covid-19 - Stay Orders) Regulations 2020, or both. First-time offenders can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both. Those found not wearing a mask or not wearing a mask properly outside their place of residence are liable to prosecution under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. On conviction, first-time offenders are liable to get fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to six months, or both. Members of the public can report information about anyone who fails to comply with SHN requirements to ICA on the website or call 6812-5555. More on this topic Related Story Two travellers given jail sentence after spending time together in hotel room while on SHN Related Story Woman who was serving SHN at hotel allegedly climbed into balcony of another room
SINGAPORE - A woman captured on video not wearing a mask at the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort is expected to plead guilty to her charges on Aug 12. Phoon Chiu Yoke, who is now in remand, appeared in court via video-link on Wednesday (Aug 4). She asked the court for her release, without conditions attached. Alleged offenders can be released on bail before they are convicted. Phoon, who is unrepresented, also asked for the return of her passport, stressing that she has a "stellar professional record". The court denied her application on Wednesday given the "egregious nature" of her charges. She continues to be in remand. Phoon currently faces 22 charges for various offences including multiple counts of failing to wear a mask at public places. She first appeared in court last year after she allegedly failed to wear a mask over her nose and mouth "at all times" at Newton hawker centre between 7.20pm and 8pm on May 8 during the circuit breaker period. She left Singapore for Britain soon after that alleged offence. She returned to Singapore on June 28 last year and had to serve a 14-day stay-home notice at MBS until July 12. The court earlier heard that she allegedly left her hotel room at MBS between 8.07pm and 8.23pm on June 28 last year. Phoon is said to have loitered around various places in the hotel and is accused of failing to wear a mask while doing so. Following this, she allegedly failed to wear a mask at public places on multiple occasions between Dec 2 last year and May 24 this year - at MBS, outside the State Courts building, at Clarke Quay Central and at Bras Basah Complex. The 54-year-old Singaporean was out on bail when she allegedly failed to wear a mask at the Mandarin Orchard Singapore hotel around 3pm on June 25. On July 24, Phoon was handed her latest charge linked to this incident and her bail of $12,000 was revoked. She was then remanded in custody. Phoon first made the headlines in May this year after she was caught on video not wearing a mask at MBS and arguing with a safe distancing ambassador. In the video clip, which went viral, she questioned the safe distancing ambassador on whether she had a badge and whom she represented. The safe distancing ambassador tried to get Phoon to put on a mask, but to no avail. First-time offenders who breach laws under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000. More on this topic Related Story Briton caught on video not wearing mask on MRT train to go on trial in August Related Story Jail, fine for man who verbally abused and assaulted bus driver who told him to wear mask properly
SINGAPORE - A man caught on video not wearing a mask on an MRT train in May will be claiming trial to his charges next month. Benjamin Glynn, 40, whose pre-trial conference took place on Friday (July 23), is expected to appear before District Judge Eddy Tham for a two-day trial on Aug 5 and 6. The Briton faces two charges under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, as well as one count each of harassment and being a public nuisance. He allegedly failed to wear a mask while travelling on an MRT train from Raffles Place station to Holland Village station between 11.06pm and 11.31pm on May 7. He is then said to have caused annoyance to the public during the trip by declaring: "I will never wear a mask." In a video that was circulated on social media, the Briton is seen telling the other commuters: "I'm very religious... I hate seeing uncles, granddads with a mask on." He then rejects a mask when a fellow commuter offers him one. The video also shows a commuter leaving her seat when he sits down next to her. On May 9, Glynn was at the ground-level lift lobby of Allsworth Park condominium in Holland Road at around 12.30am when he allegedly used threatening words while addressing two police officers - Assistant Superintendent Alvin Quek Chin Han and Inspector Chee Xiu Quan. The Briton is said to have hurled an obscene word at them when he said: "I'm going to... drop you." He is also alleged to have adopted a "boxing stance". Glynn first appeared in the State Courts on July 2 and was not wearing a mask when he arrived at the main entrance of the building. Covid-19: Benjamin Glynn leaving State Courts building without a mask He put one on after a security officer asked him to do so. He was walking outside the State Courts building after his court proceedings later that day when he was caught on video with his mask off. More on this topic Related Story Jail, fine for man who verbally abused and assaulted bus driver who told him to wear mask properly Related Story More charges expected for woman caught not wearing a mask at MBS and other places For each charge under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, an offender can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. If convicted of harassment, an offender can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $5,000. Those convicted of being a public nuisance can be jailed for up to three months and fined up to $2,000. More on this topic Related Story Briton charged over failure to wear mask on MRT train now accused of same offence outside State Courts Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories
SINGAPORE - A woman who was caught on video refusing to wear a mask at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort was handed 14 more charges on Tuesday (July 6). They comprise 10 counts of failing to wear a mask at public places and four charges for breaching her 14-day stay-home notice (SHN) last year. Phoon Chiu Yoke now faces 21 charges in total. The 53-year-old was earlier charged for various offences, including for failing to wear a mask outside the State Courts. Her case has been adjourned to July 23. Her bail has also been increased from $8,000 to $12,000. Phoon allegedly failed to wear a mask over her nose and mouth “at all times” at Newton hawker centre between 7.20pm and 8pm on May 8 last year. She is also said to have not worn a mask in places such as MBS and Tiong Bahru Market in numerous instances between May 8 last year and May 24 this year. She is also accused of breaching her SHN at MBS that she was required to serve between June 28 and July 12 last year on five occasions. Phoon allegedly left her room twice on July 8, and once each on June 28, July 5 and July 9. Requesting for Phoon's bail to be increased on Tuesday, the prosecution said she had failed to reply to calls and an e-mail by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) requesting for her to assist in investigations. She had also refused to speak to an ICA officer who approached her before the court hearing. The court also heard that she is being investigated for an offence she allegedly committed after her previous appearance in court on June 15 this year. She is required to comply with Covid-19 measures, which is a condition for her to be released on bail, but allegedly failed to do so. Phoon, who was unrepresented, replied that she would have responded to ICA's request if the agency had sent her a written letter or registered mail to her residence. More on this topic Related Story Woman who refused to wear mask at MBS released on bail, asks for charges against her to be dropped Related Story More charges expected for woman caught not wearing a mask at MBS and other places She said she had not given her e-mail address to any ICA officer, and did not speak to the ICA officer outside the courtroom, as he was "very aggressive". Phoon also urged the prosecution to drop the new charges against her, saying that she suffered from eczema and sometimes breathlessness, which were reasons for her not to wear a mask. Phoon made headlines in May this year after she was caught on video without a mask on and arguing with a safe distancing ambassador. In the video clip, which went viral online, she questioned the safe distancing ambassador on whether she had a badge and who she represented. Phoon asked: "If you have no badge, why are you asking me to do something? Who are you representing?" When the safe distancing ambassador said she represented MBS, Phoon replied: "That's what you say, I can say that I'm a police (officer)." In the rest of the clip, the safe distancing ambassador tried to get Phoon to put on a mask, but to no avail. First-time offenders who breach laws under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000. More on this topic Related Story Man arrested after he refused to wear mask on MRT Related Story Man who removed his mask and coughed at police officer sentenced to 14 weeks' jail
SINGAPORE - A man who was filmed not wearing a mask on an MRT train in May appeared in a district court on Friday (July 2) and was handed three charges for offences including harassment. Briton Benjamin Glynn, 39, also faces one charge of being a public nuisance and another for an offence under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act. Glynn is accused of failing to wear a mask while travelling in an MRT train from Raffles Place to Holland Village stations between 11.06pm and 11.31pm on May 7. He allegedly caused annoyance to the public during the trip by declaring: "I will never wear a mask." In a video circulating on social media, the Briton is seen telling the other commuters: "I'm very religious... I hate seeing uncles, granddads with a mask on." He then rejects a mask when a fellow commuter offers him one. The video also shows a commuter leaving her seat when he takes the one next to her. On May 9, Glynn was at the ground floor lift lobby of the Allsworth Park condominium in Holland Road at around 12.30am when he allegedly used threatening words while addressing Assistant Superintendent Alvin Quek Chin Han. The Briton is said to have hurled an obscene word at the police officer and said: "I'm going to...drop you." Glynn was not wearing a mask when he arrived at the State Courts building on Friday morning but put one on when a security officer asked him to do so. Casually dressed in a blue shirt and pink bermuda shorts, he later stood in the dock before District Judge Lorraine Ho with his mask covering only his mouth. The judge then told him to put the mask on properly and he complied. Judge Ho asked Glynn if he would plead guilty or claim trial to his charges. The Briton replied: "I don't understand the options." More on this topic Related Story Man arrested after he refused to wear mask on MRT Related Story More charges expected for woman caught not wearing a mask at MBS and other places He also said that he had a "legal counsel" who was seated in the gallery. Glynn was later spotted walking out of the courtroom accompanied by a man dressed in a striped short-sleeved polo T-shirt and trousers. Lawyers handling cases in courtrooms usually wear dark-coloured suits. Glynn removed his mask as he stepped out of the State Courts building minutes later and the pair walked away. Benjamin Glynn leaving State Courts building without a mask Glynn's pretrial conference will be held on July 23. He is now out on bail of $5,000. If convicted of an offence under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, he can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. And if convicted of harassment, he can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $5,000. Offenders convicted of being a public nuisance can be jailed for up to three months and fined up to $2,000. More on this topic Related Story 'Sovereign' woman pleads guilty to breaching Covid-19 rules, gets 2 weeks' jail and fine Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories
SINGAPORE - More charges, including those involving the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, are expected to be handed to a woman who was caught on video refusing to wear a mask at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort amid the Covid-19 outbreak, a district court heard on Tuesday (June 15). The prosecutor mentioned the additional charges on Tuesday in asking for a three-week adjournment. Details about these charges were not revealed in court. Phoon Chiu Yoke, 53, currently faces seven charges over various offences, including failing to wear a mask at public places such as MBS, Bras Basah Complex and outside the State Courts building. The Singaporean, who was not represented by a lawyer, told District Judge Janet Wang on Tuesday that she wants to apply for these charges to be dropped. Stressing that she is a former naval officer, Phoon said that she had been "an eyewitness or plaintiff" in earlier cases linked to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and that it would be difficult for her to have a fair hearing due to these cases. "I am not privy to discuss all these cases in court here without causing embarrassment or being prejudicial to the SAF and to the Government of Singapore... (I) am applying for all these charges to be dropped," she said. "Due to all these cases in the past, I should be granted immunity as a citizen." Judge Wang replied that the earlier cases are not relevant to her current set of charges. At an earlier hearing on May 25, the court ordered that Phoon be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for two weeks for psychiatric assessment. Arguing against the order at the time, Phoon also said she was a former naval officer, with a history of good conduct. She added that she had returned from holiday and was unaware of the laws requiring her to wear a mask. She first appeared in court last year after she allegedly failed to wear a mask over her nose and mouth "at all times" at Newton hawker centre between 7.20pm and 8pm on May 8 during the circuit breaker period. Phoon seen in widely shared video clips taken at Marina Bay Sands (left) and Clarke Quay Central. PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM FACEBOOK She left Singapore for Britain soon after that alleged offence. She returned to Singapore on June 28 last year and had to serve a 14-day stay-home notice at MBS until July 12. The court earlier heard that she allegedly left her hotel room at MBS between 8.07pm and 8.23pm on June 28. Phoon is said to have loitered around various places in the hotel and is accused of failing to wear a mask while doing so. More on this topic Related Story Woman who refused to wear mask at MBS turns up outside court maskless, but wears one to enter Related Story 'Sovereign' woman pleads guilty to breaching Covid-19 rules, gets 2 weeks' jail and fine Following this, she allegedly failed to wear a mask in public places on multiple occasions between Dec 2 last year and May 24 this year, at MBS and outside the State Courts building, as well as at Clarke Quay Central and Bras Basah Complex. She was arrested on May 25 this year. On Tuesday, her case was adjourned to July 6. She remains out on bail of $8,000. First-time offenders who breach laws under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000. More on this topic Related Story Man admits to threatening bus driver with knife after being asked to wear his mask properly Related Story 6 men investigated for allegedly not wearing masks properly, 3 also probed over verbal abuse
SINGAPORE - A woman who was captured on video refusing to wear a mask at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort has been offered bail, after she was remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for two weeks. Phoon Chiu Yoke, 53, has been offered $8,000 bail. She faces seven charges for various offences, including failing to wear a mask at MBS, Newton Hawker Centre, Clarke Quay Central, Bras Basah Complex, and outside the State Courts building. On Tuesday (June 8), Phoon told the court four times that she was a naval officer with a "strong professional standing", and asked for the charges against her to be dropped. “I have a very strong professional standing, not only in Singapore, but globally... I served in the navy for 12 years and was the first female commanding officer,” she said. She also said there have been "procedural errors" on the part of the investigating officers, alleging that she was arrested without a warrant. Phoon also asked that she be offered bail at $3,000 without a surety, as she was the navy's first female commanding officer and has made contributions to Singapore "as a pioneer". The prosecution had asked for bail to be set at $10,000, with the conditions that she complies with current Covid-19 regulations and does not reoffend while out on bail. The court was told that Phoon may face further charges. Phoon told the court her family members in Singapore were either ill or elderly and that most of her friends were overseas. She also asked for clarification on what the Covid-19 regulations were. District Judge Janet Wang said these were laws everyone else was abiding by, including the wearing of a mask in public spaces. Phoon was previously on trial for a charge under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act: for failing to wear a mask over her nose and mouth “at all times” at Newton Hawker Centre, between 7.20pm and 8pm on May 8, 2020. She had turned up for a hearing on that charge on May 24 and was seen removing her mask after leaving the State Courts building that day. She was arrested the next day and slapped with five more charges under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act and one charge under the Infectious Diseases Act. One of the charges relates to an incident on May 15, when Phoon was caught on video refusing to wear a mask at MBS after been told to do so by a safe distancing ambassador. She was seen questioning the safe distancing ambassador whether she had a badge and asking who she represented. The charge under the Infectious Diseases Act is for loitering at various places in MBS while under a Stay Home Notice in June last year. She had been remanded for two weeks at IMH after the charges were tendered against her. The court was told on Tuesday that the report from IMH has been completed, but no details of the report’s contents were revealed in open court. The case has been adjourned for further mention on June 15 for additional charges to be tendered. First-time offenders who breach laws under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000. More on this topic Related Story Woman who refused to wear mask at MBS turns up outside court maskless, but wears one to enter Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories
SINGAPORE - In the light of the more transmissible Covid-19 strains and evidence showing that the virus can be transmitted through aerosols, people should be selecting masks with higher filtration capabilities. The Straits Times looks at what this means and the types of masks which could offer sufficient protection. Q: What does "higher filtration capability" mean? A: A mask's filtration capability refers to how well it is able to filter respiratory droplets, which may contain bacteria or the Sars-Cov-2 virus, and prevent these from going through. This is commonly measured by looking at the mask's particle filtration efficiency (PFE) and its bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE). The PFE measures how well the mask is able to prevent aerosolised droplets - of around 0.1 micron in size - from escaping, whereas the BFE measures how effectively the mask can filter bacteria-containing droplets which are about 3 microns in size. The Sars-CoV-2 virus is said to be around 0.12 micron in size. A good mask - which meets the requirements for medical and surgical standards - should have a BFE or PFE of at least 95 per cent, meaning that it is able to prevent 95 per cent of all such particles from going through. Q: Which masks should I wear and which should I throw away? A: You can wear surgical masks, or any of the masks given out by the People's Association or Temasek Foundation during the nationwide mask distribution exercises. These include the DET30 mask, the Proshield mask, and the Livinguard mask. Cloth masks which are made of at least two layers are also permissible. When purchasing surgical masks, it is important to ensure that it has been tested for either BFE or PFE against international standards such as ASTM. This can usually be found on the side of the surgical mask box. You should stop wearing single-layered masks, or masks with exhalation valves, as these do not have the same filtration capability or level of protection as double-layered and surgical masks. A mask with an exhalation valve may be more comfortable and can be appropriate for haze, but there is a risk of aerosols and droplets escaping through it, especially when an infected person wearing it sneezes or coughs. Q: What are reusable masks usually made of and what kind of material should I look out for when purchasing a reusable mask? A: Most reusable masks are made of cloth. When selecting a reusable mask, it is good to ensure that the outer layer is made of polyester, as it is a water-resistant material and can repel droplets from entering the mask. The inner layer of the mask should be made of a finely woven fabric, so that it is able to prevent respiratory droplets from escaping. Some masks, such as the Proshield mask given out by Temasek Foundation, also have an inner pocket for filter inserts. This can help to improve the filtration efficiency of the mask. MOH's Kenneth Mak on importance of using good quality masks Q: How often should I wash my masks? A: You should wash your masks once a day after use, so as to ensure that microbes from the skin do not remain trapped on them. Hand-wash your mask using a gentle soap and lukewarm water solution, and avoid antiseptic detergent or bleach. More on this topic Related Story Wear a mask with high filtration capability, not just any cloth mask Related Story How often do you wash your mask? This is how a mask worn for 6 hours looks like It is also important to take note of the lifespan of reusable masks, as such masks have to be replaced once they are used and washed beyond the recommended number of times. This is because, beyond that, the filtration capability or antibacterial quality of the mask may not be as effective as before, especially if the material has been stretched or loosened over time. For instance, the Livinguard masks given out by Temasek has two layers of treated cotton fabric which has antiviral and antibacterial properties. However, the antiviral and antibacterial performance of the mask will be gradually reduced after 30 washes. This mask needs to be washed only once a week, and if worn daily and washed weekly 30 times, it can be used daily for about seven months. You can also wash the mask daily if you wish, but its lifespan will then be much shorter. Q: With variants of the virus circulating, do I need to double-mask? A: No, it is not necessary, as long as you already have a good quality mask that properly covers your nose and mouth. When going to more enclosed or crowded areas, it would be a good idea to select a surgical mask, or a double-layered cloth mask with filter inserts for better protection. Ensure that you are with no more than one other person and go out only for essential activities. More on this topic Related Story Wearing two masks or snug fit reduces Covid-19 spread, US study shows Related Story Wearing some types of masks may be worse than not wearing one at all: Study
SINGAPORE - Upset that he was asked to wear his mask properly while boarding an SBS bus, Gan Wee Yeow whipped out a knife and threatened the bus driver, not the first time the 50-year-old brandished weapons in public. On Wednesday (March 24), Gan pleaded guilty to six charges - three for criminal intimidation and one each for voluntarily causing hurt, possessing offensive weapons without lawful purpose or authority, and mischief. District Judge Janet Wang will take into consideration seven other charges when sentencing him at a later date. Two are for possessing offensive weapons unlawfully and another two are for dishonest misappropriation of property. The remaining charges comprise one count each of using criminal force, mischief and failing to wear a mask at all times while outside his ordinary place of residence. Gan's threatening behaviour occurred over a one-month period last year. On July 27, he got into a dispute with a Gojek driver in East Coast Road when he could not pay the full fare for the ride. He threatened the driver with a hammer he was carrying and used it to damage the car's centre console. Three days later, Gan threatened a Certis officer with a hammer at the alighting berth of Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange. The officer, who spotted Gan standing at the berth with a few items scattered on the floor in front of him, had told him he was not allowed to wait in the area. The court heard that Gan reacted aggressively and started shouting at the officer. He later approached him with the hammer held high and kicked him in the thigh. The incident involving the bus driver happened about a month later on Aug 26. The bus driver noticed that he was talking on the phone with his mask pulled down, and told him to wear it in the correct manner. Gan, who was boarding the bus, responded by hurling vulgarities at the driver. He then threatened the driver with a knife. The victim pressed the panic alarm button on the bus and returned to the bus interchange. More on this topic Related Story 'This is repugnant and must stop,' says SBS Transit after bus driver assaulted by commuter for enforcing mask rule Related Story Chee Hong Tat warns of tough action against commuters who abuse bus drivers Gan was later arrested by police officers at Yishun MRT station. He was found with a knife and a penknife, which were seized. But three days later, he threatened another individual with a knife at a coffee shop in Yishun. The victim, who was working at the coffee shop then, had informed Gan that his drink - which he had bought earlier - was ready for collection. "The accused perceived the victim to have rushed him and was offended as a result," said Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Teh. The staff member later called the police. More on this topic Related Story Man jailed for assaulting SBS bus driver who told him to wear mask Related Story Courts & Crime: Read more stories Pleading for leniency on Wednesday, Gan said he was not taking medication for his bipolar condition at that time and asked for a probation sentence. He said he would be unable to renew his licence as a security officer - which will expire in May - if he is jailed. The court heard that he had been working in that role since June 2016. District Judge Wang called for a report assessing Gan's suitability for a mandatory treatment order (MTO). Offenders given an MTO will undergo treatment for their mental condition in lieu of jail time. Gan's case is expected to be heard again on April 8.
SINGAPORE, Jan 27, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Mamoru Marketing, the exclusive distributor of Ecom products in Singapore, is introducing a new product to protect our loved ones in 2021. The big brother of the EA Mask, the Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier has 10 unique features that differentiates itself from the competition. It is the world's first professional-grade intelligent CIO2 air purification machine that will eliminate 99.9% of bacteria, smoke, odors, and more, ensuring you and your family will be breathing the best air of their lives.With the largest coverage of 1,000 square feet (the size of a 4 room HDB apartment), the Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier uses 4-in-1 filtration technology, as well as displays that will show you the exact number of days to change the filters. The display will even show you immediately in precise PM2.5 recordings how the air quality has improved. It can even be wall-mounted to save space and is whisper-quiet at 25db.You can bring the Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier home for an introductory price of just $1,280 (usual price $1,800). This also include a free Care Kit from worth $119. Mamoru is implementing a monthly rental scheme so you can enjoy the Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier's benefits at just $70 a month with a minimum 3-month contract.4-in-1 filtration technologyThe Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier's 4-in-1 filtration technology is designed to destroy pollutants through a first-of-its-kind system. The primary filter is an anti-bacterial nano premium filter that absorbs dust, pollen and spores. The next layer is ECOM's revolutionary CIO2 molecule release technology. Without turning on the machine, the CIO2 molecule generation eliminates both pollutants & odor from bacteria, formaldehydes and mold.The third layer is the 12-meter HEPA filter. The panel-fold fast eliminates allergens, formaldehydes, smoke smell, & chemicals from the home. The fourth filter is the negative ioniser, which can be switched on or off. The front-loaded 8 fan wheels provide the highest Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) at 870 metre cube per hour when operating at maximum fan speed. Lastly, the Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier comes with a humidifier, which is triggered when humidity falls below 45%, giving your skin the moisture it needs to keep it soft and supple. The Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier includes an aroma diffuser so you can enjoy the dual benefits of aromatherapy with fresh clean air.ALL IN THE DISPLAYThe Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier's technology is not just in its filtration system. Equipped with sensors that scan air quality, the Ecom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier will relay that information to you via the Ecom Mask 030+ Smart App.The app and the display will share information such as when you need to replace the different filters, as well as displaying in real-time, the air quality of your space.GLOBAL COMPLIANCEEcom Mask 030 Plus Disinfection Air Purifier is FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) registered, CE marked (European Economic Area) and certified by CQC (China), PSE (Japan) & IEC (United Kingdom). Be reassured you and your loved ones will be well taken of.For high-res images, kindly download them via this link: https://bit.ly/3a5qGtoAbout Mamoru MarketingMamoru is the exclusive distributor of ECOM products in Singapore. Mamoru means 'Protect' in the Japanese language, and that is what Mamoru Marketing sets out to do. Incorporated in September 2019, Mamoru believes in developing, creating, and exclusively representing brands and products that have been proven to improve consumers' quality of life. All our products are validated with international research papers, ensuring all customers are at ease with the Mamoru brands.About ECOMAt the heart of all ECOM products lies our passion for a better, healthier world - powered by a world-class, eco-friendly cost effective key ingredient. Chlorine Dioxide (CIO2), classified A1 by the world Health Organisation (WHO), is universally known for its powerful effectiveness as an oxidising agent, and potent disinfectant. Perfected by Japanese-patented technology and rigorous manufacturing standards, our range of ECOM products aims to protect you in every phase of your life, wherever, whenever.For more information on ECOM products, please visit the following:Website: www.ecomsingapore.sgFacebook: ecomsingaporeInstagram: ecom_singaporeFor media queries, please contact:Danielle ChowFresh Communications(HP) +65 9727 7766(Email) danielle@freshcomms.sg Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
SINGAPORE - The woman who claimed she was a "sovereign" when told to wear a mask in public is expected to face another charge under the Women's Charter. Paramjeet Kaur, 41, currently faces six charges, four of which are for breaching Covid-19 regulations. The remaining two are for public nuisance and for failing to report her change of home address. Her case was heard again on Tuesday morning (Jan 26) but she was not in court as her presence was dispensed with. Defence lawyer Mohamed Arshad told District Judge Adam Nakhoda that his client could face another charge under the Women's Charter. It is not clear what it will be for. The judge adjourned the case on Tuesday and sent it to the community court. Kaur made headlines after she was caught on video claiming to be a "sovereign" during an argument with passers-by at Shunfu Mart near Upper Thomson Road in May last year. In the video, which went viral online, she is heard making claims that the law does not apply to her. "It means I have nothing to do with the police, it means I have no contract with the police," she said. "They have no say over me." She also claimed that she was "not a person", but was instead "we the people". Kaur is currently out on $10,000 bail, and her case will be heard again on Feb 22. For failing to wear a mask over the nose and mouth, a first-time offender can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $20,000. More on this topic Related Story Coronavirus: Man allegedly spat at cop after he was caught not wearing mask outdoors Related Story Woman charged after assaulting police officer, refusing to wear a mask in Sun Plaza mall
SINGAPORE - With so many different types of face masks now readily available in neighbourhood shops and heartland malls alike, the question becomes: How effective are they against Covid-19 and other respiratory infections? The Straits Times selected nine types of surgical and reusable masks and put them through two tests. Working with lab experts from local testing and inspection company Setsco Services, a particle filtration efficiency (PFE) test was conducted to measure how well the mask prevents tiny respiratory droplets - at 0.1 microns or one millionth of a metre - from escaping. A good mask should have a PFE rate of at least 95 per cent. A breathability test was also conducted to measure how comfortable it is to breathe through the masks. This writer tested the breathability of the six reusable masks, while the breathability of the three surgical masks was ascertained through a differential pressure test. In the latter, the masks were subjected to air pressure to determine their resistance. Generally, the lower the resistance, the better the breathability. A differential pressure reading of less than 40 Pascals per sq cm indicates that the mask is comfortable for the wearer. To determine whether face masks comply with standards set by ASTM, an international standards organisation, a total of five tests have to be conducted. They include tests for bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), fluid resistance and flammability. The latest DET mask given out by Temasek, which is not among the nine masks tested, has a differential pressure reading equivalent to less than 40 pascals per sq cm, but does not have a PFE reading. Its BFE, however, is at more than 80 per cent. Out of the nine masks tested, the surgical masks did well at both tests, whereas the reusable masks reflected a trade-off between breathability and filtration efficiency, said experts. More on this topic Related Story Coronavirus: 10 reusable face masks tested for safety and comfort Related Story Fashion's newest accessory: ST puts stylish fabric face masks to the test The surgical masks had a PFE range of more than 98 per cent, while most reusable masks had a PFE range of 0 to 20 per cent, with the exception of sample four - the triple-layered mask in black - which had a PFE of 88.51 per cent. This means that most of the reusable masks were not very efficient at filtering 0.1 micron particles but they may filter particles that are larger in size. Noting the results, Dr Joel Lee, director of the School of Chemical and Life Sciences at Nanyang Polytechnic, said it was "not surprising" that reusable masks had a lower PFE compared with surgical masks. But he noted that sample four comprised three layers and had a high-performance filter that kept it dry from external moisture. It also had a first layer of breathable mesh, which enabled it to balance breathability with good PFE, he added. Home-made masks are next best thing to surgical masks: Expert | THE BIG STORY Dr Teo Tee Hui, council member at The Institution of Engineers, Singapore and a senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, also noted that the mask had such a high PFE because it was mainly made out of finely woven nylon. The other reusable masks that were tested used coarse cotton for both inner and outer layers. "Coarse cotton is good for breathability but it is porous. Respiratory droplets are not well-absorbed, explaining the low filtration efficiency," he said. Most reusable masks are double-layered, with either both layers made of cotton or just the inner layer made of cotton and the outer one from polyester, he added. Polyester is a good material to use on the outer layer of the mask, as it is water-resistant and can repel droplets from entering. But if the inner layer is made of coarse cotton, it could hamper the mask's overall filtration efficiency. "Ideally, the best reusable mask should have three layers, with a non-woven fabric as the middle layer to better absorb the water particles. That way, the inner and outer layers can be made of porous materials for better breathability, while not compromising on filtration efficiency, just like surgical masks," he said. More on this topic Related Story askST: How long should I use my reusable mask? Related Story askST: How effective is a reusable mask in fighting coronavirus and how do I take care of it? Dr Lee also suggested that masks be two layers or more and made out of a combination of materials such as chiffon weave or flannel for better filtration efficiency. Out of the six reusable masks tested by the writer, sample five, a single-layered mask, likely made out of polyester or polyurethane (a type of plastic material) or a blend of both materials, was the most comfortable, though its PFE was at 0 per cent. Dr Teo noted that polyurethane, frequently used in lingerie, is known for its stretchiness and comfort, but like polyester, it may not be as effective in trapping droplets. It could, however, still prevent droplets larger in size from being released into the environment, though it is recommended to choose a mask with better PFE. Both experts agreed that a good approach would be to wear surgical masks at high-risk and crowded places such as hospitals, and to use reusable masks for low-risk activities. Wearing a mask should also be done in conjunction with other measures such as safe distancing, to ensure one's safety and hygiene, they added. Correction note: An earlier version of the article said Dr Teo Tee Hui was a council member at The Institute of Engineers Singapore. This has been corrected. We are sorry for the error. 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