Five-Week Jail Term for a Mom Who Stomped Out During Covid
Michelle Foo Shi Ching, a 25‑year‑old Singapore permanent resident, won a 5‑week sentence on June 22 for breaking the lockdown rules while on MC in July 2020.
Why the Law, Not Motherhood?
On July 17, 2020, Michelle decided to slap the “stay at home” sign and walk her son to a pre‑school. Later that afternoon, she hopped in two private‑hire cars: first to a MacPherson flat, then to Great World City for a movie with friends. She was caught cheating the MC, and her plan to kill time was, frankly, a bit… reckless.
But… Adjustment Disorder?
She pleaded guilty on January 31 to two charges under the Infectious Diseases Act. Her lawyer said that a psychiatrist diagnosed her with an adjustment disorder and a depressed mood. The court, however, deemed the mental‑health criteria insufficient for a mandatory treatment order (MTO), so Michelle went straight to the dock.
Under the Microscope
- She had a doctor’s MC on July 14 after a sore throat, which required her to stay home for five days.
- She left her flat at 9:15 am on July 17, walked her son to a local pre‑school, and then drove to MacPherson Lane at 3:30 pm.
- Later that night, she took a taxi to Great World City for a movie with friends.
- She reoffended early the next morning, taking a car to MacPherson Lane again. The entire weekend saw twelve-hour stints outside.
What the Law Says
For a first‑time offender under the Infectious Diseases Act, the maximum penalty is six months in jail and a $10,000 fine. Repeat offenders could face up to a year and a $20,000 fine. Michelle’s 5‑week sentence, while short, reminds us that the law isn’t about leniency; it’s about public safety.
Final Verdict
The judge concluded that Michelle was a “fairly youthful offender” with a “fratricious” relationship with her husband. She is now up for jail, with bail set at $2,000 and a mandatory court appearance scheduled for Friday.
