165 People Caught Breaking COVID-19 Rules in 5 Days As More People Visiting Parks & Beaches

Throughout the pandemic, the Government has conveyed one simple message: follow the rules and everyone will be safe. 

In response, we’ve said: Ah, we totally understand what you’re saying. But we’ll flout the rules when we need to. Thanks.

Now that it’s the school holidays, people are breaking COVID-19 rules left, right, and centre.

165 People Caught Breaking COVID-19 Rules As More People Visiting Parks & Beaches

In fact, 165 people were caught breaking COVID-19 rules at parks and beaches in the first half of the March school holidays.

The breaches of safe management measures were detected between last Saturday and Wednesday (13 and 17 March).

The offenders received fines and written warnings as a result.

Unbeknownst to the offenders, National Parks Board (NParks) staff patrol parks on a regular basis as part of their daily work, and routinely conduct spot checks at camping and barbecue sites.

“Together with other deployed safe distancing ambassadors, they will advise park visitors to observe safe distancing and ensure safe management measures are adhered to at these sites. Most visitors are cooperative when advised to adhere to the measures”, group director of parks Ms Sophianne Araib said.

So, what is actually permitted at parks and beaches now?

Camping & Barbecues Allowed

Camping and barbecues at parks and beaches were both reopened to the public in January, but residents require a permit before they can use them.

Those going camping must set up their tents at least 5m apart. Also, the maximum number of campers in a group is limited to six.

As for barbecues, just like any social gathering these days, only groups of up to eight are permissible. There should be no intermingling between groups. All barbecue activities should also end by 10.30pm.

Organisers of the barbecues should also conduct checks in their group for visible respiratory symptoms and disallow any participant who is unwell from being at the barbecue pit or park.

And of course, residents at parks and beaches must wear their masks at all times except when engaging in strenuous exercises or consuming food, drink, or medication.

In January, at least 104 people were caught breaching safe management measures at parks and beaches, and another 74 were caught last month for similar offences.

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