The Health Minister can declare a public health emergency when:
THERE is an outbreak, or an imminent outbreak, of an infectious disease that could cause many deaths or disabilities.
In such an emergency, the minister can:
Restrict social interaction by closing places where people congregate such as schools, cinemas and shopping centres.
Ban gatherings, meetings or public entertainment.
Close all premises in the country.
Requisition civil resources and services such as private hospitals, ambulances, doctors, nurses and paramedical personnel.
Take over land, property and services to secure public safety. Owners will be compensated.
Get health officers to record statements, enter and search premises and seize evidence. They can also arrest a suspect without a warrant.
Restrictions on minister's powers:
The duration of a public health emergency is up to 14 days, unless renewed.
Parliament can annul the minister's emergency order.