Every year, the Istana is open to the public for a few days, usually in celebration of local festivals and holidays.
Performances and tours are typically held during the open house at the grounds, with food trucks stationed to provide refreshments to patrons.
But just like travelling and sneezing on strangers’ faces, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to do away with these open houses.
In 2020, the open house was held virtually, due to the prevailing COVID-19 measures at the time.
Just over a week ago, the authorities announced that there’d be an open house event at the presidential palace on 1 Aug.
But just like our plans to reopen, this date has been pushed back.
Istana Postpones Its Open House As S’pore Moves Back to Phase 2 (HA)
The Istana open house event will not take place as planned on 1 Aug as it has been postponed to a later date, the President’s Office said yesterday (20 July).
The postponement came after the authorities announced that Singapore will return to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) tomorrow (22 July).
The proposed 1 Aug event would have been the first time the Istana had visitors for around 18 months.
Earlier this year in May, an open house at the presidential palace to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa and Labour Day was cancelled after COVID-19 measures were tightened by the government.
The 1 Aug open house was supposed to be held only for those who missed out on the 13 May event.
Around 4,000 free tickets were given out for the May open house.
“We apologise for any inconveniences caused,” the President’s Office said.
National Day Parade to Proceed
Even if aliens take over the planet and target Singapore for creating the Wasabi Milk Tea, it seems that we will still go ahead with our National Day Parade (NDP).
Yes, this year’s NDP will proceed as planned despite community case numbers reaching an all time high yesterday.
Speaking about the matter yesterday, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said, “National Day is an important national event, especially that it is not just any other occasion. So as of now, we do intend to continue with a National Day Parade.”
Still, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will be reviewing the scale of the parade as well as the necessary safe management measures.
This will ensure that any rehearsal or events leading up to the parade itself can be done safely, Mr Wong said.
The ministry will also review arrangements for other activities such as the state flag fly-past and the Red Lions’ freefall jumps, as there are fears that they will cause crowds to form outside the parade venue.
“In keeping with the spirit of the heightened alert, (Mindef) will ensure that all of these can be done safely before they proceed,” Mr Wong said.
What’s more, all participants in the parade have been fully vaccinated and will undergo weekly rostered routine testing before entering rehearsal venues.
Featured Image: Hit1912 / Shutterstock.com
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