Take a look:
If you had to guess when this photo was snapped, you’d assume it was in 2019 during a bad bout of haze.
After all, rubbing shoulders with complete strangers in the streets would be unthinkable now, right?
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Enter Singapore.
Singaporeans have largely been compliant with the prevailing Covid-19 regulations since they were introduced last year, with the exception of a few uncles and aunties at coffee shops.
But now, some Singaporeans are experiencing what has been referred to as “Covid fatigue”, meaning they’re burnt out from the prolonged and heightened state of fear and caution due to Covid-19.
The authorities, who must have had a heart attack after seeing the picture above, have since taken steps to ensure that residents abide by safe distancing rules during the CNY period.
More Enforcement to be in Chinatown After Last Weekend Crowd in Chinatown
Enforcement will be stepped up during the Chinese New Year period, especially during peak hours and weekends, said the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE).
Enforcement agencies will ensure that businesses tighten access control measures to manage crowd levels.
In response to the image of crowds thronging Chinatown, a spokesman for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) also told TNP that “further measures may be implemented to manage crowding, if required”.
STB added that agencies have deployed additional safe distancing ambassadors in Chinatown to patrol the area daily since 15 Jan.
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Enforcement officers there have been ensuring that visitors comply with safe management measures.
MSE Advised People Not to Go During Weekends
Given that Chinese New Year is around the corner, it’s only natural to want to head to Chinatown to get some much-needed CNY decorations.
But given the rise in community cases recently, and the sheer number of people heading there, it’s probably not a good idea.
“We strongly urge members of the public to refrain from visiting Chinatown and other potentially crowded areas during peak hours and weekends, and plan their visits during off-peak hours instead”, an MSE spokesman said.
Strict enforcement action will, of course, be taken against individuals and businesses that do not comply with safe management measures.
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Might See a Spike in Cases if Crowding Continues
Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious diseases specialist in Singapore, believes that if people continue to congregate in large numbers, we might see a surge in cases after the festive season, as the same thing has happened in other countries.
While the Covid-19 situation here has certainly improved since last year, we could easily go back to where we were last April, meaning a second circuit breaker may be necessary.
And I know that none of us wants that.
Featured Image: Chinatown Business Association
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