Around a week ago, the authorities announced that enforcement will be stepped up in Chinatown during the Chinese New Year period.
The announcement came after pictures of residents huddled together like it was snowing in Chinatown made its way to the internet.
If it weren’t for the masks, you’d likely have no idea the photo above was taken in 2021.
But surprise, surprise, residents still thronged to Chinatown despite the new measures.
People Still Crowded in Chinatown Last Weekend Despite Warnings & New Measures
While crowds in Chinatown have dropped 20%, many residents were seen tightly packed together like sardines in the area, reported The New Paper.
In fact, believe it or not, some people went to Chinatown because of the new measures, as they expected crowding to reduce.
The only way that could be more Singaporean is if they were also drinking bubble tea while queuing for 4D tickets.
Speaking to TNP, some residents explained that they visited Chinatown just to soak in the CNY atmosphere.
Well, they might soon be soaking in the coronavirus instead.
New Measures
Last week, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) announced new measures to control crowds in Chinatown.
Enforcement agencies, for one, will ensure that businesses tighten access control measures to manage crowd levels.
The iconic Chinatown CNY street light-up along South Bridge Road, New Bridge Road, and Eu Tong Sen Street was also turned off for the weekend to prevent crowding.
In addition, the up-riding escalator at Chinatown MRT station exit A was closed periodically to manage the flow of passengers into Pagoda Street.
The MSE urged residents to be careful with their CNY celebrations, to “protect vulnerable members in our community, such as the elderly”.
34 People Fined in Chinatown Since 15 Jan
The MSE said that agencies have deployed additional safe distancing ambassadors in Chinatown to patrol the area daily since 15 Jan.
And, of course, these enforcement officers caught many visitors flouting the rules.
According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), 34 people have been fined $300 each in Chinatown since 15 Jan.
All the offenders were either caught not wearing face masks or gathering in groups of more than eight.
Over the same period, 11 businesses in Chinatown were fined $1,000 to $2,000 for failing to ensure 1m safe distancing between customers and for allowing gatherings of more than eight people.
So, unless you want to be slapped with a large fine, try soaking in the CNY atmosphere from home.
It may not be as exciting, but it’s certainly better for other residents, as well as your wallet.
Featured Image: Instagram
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