20 Large Groups Caught for Breaching COVID-19 Rules in Places Like East Coast Park & Esplanade Park

Good news, the number of new Covid-19 cases in Singapore has been steadily increasing but all of them are imported.

Yet, in case you’ve missed the memo, that’s not a valid reason for you to be complacent and break Covid-19 rules because, as Minister for Sustainability and Environment Grace Fu says, the government’s still keeping a lookout for rulebreakers.

20 Large Groups Fined for Breaching COVID-19 Rules in Places Like East Coast Park & Esplanade Park

In a Facebook post on 23 Jan 2021, Ms Fu highlighted the importance of keeping to Covid-19 rules, especially during Chinese New Year this year.

She added that last weekend, “as many as 20 large groups” were found breaching Covid-19 rules at the various public parks in Singapore.

This includes East Coast Park, Changi Beach, Fort Canning Park, Kallang Riverside Park and Esplanade Park.

The people caught, she stated, will have action taken against them, including fines.

Ms Fu urges people in Singapore to make use of online tools like https://safedistparks.nparks.gov.sg/ to check the park’s crowd levels before making your way there.

During this crucial period, operators and individuals who are found breaking Covid-19 measures will have firm action taken against them, she warns.

Ms Fu urges people in Singapore to observe safe-distancing measures, including the ones for Chinese New Year, as the festive season arrives.

This includes keeping your mask on at all times (unless eating, drinking or exercising), gathering in groups not larger than 8 and keeping a 1-metre safe-distancing.

You can read her full post below:

Temporary Covid-19 Measures For Chinese New Year

In a media statement, the Ministry of Health said that in order to further mitigate the risk of large community clusters arising from infections that spread within a household and through them to all their contact, there will be a cap of 8 distinct visitors per household per day.

Basically, you can’t get 8 relatives to come to your house the morning, and then allow another 8 relatives to come in the afternoon after the first group has left.

In addition, individuals should also limit themselves to visiting at most two other households a day, as much as possible.

This new rule will take effect from 26 January 2021.

The maximum group size for social gatherings outside the house will remain at 8 people for now. That said, everyone should keep their social circle small instead of mixing with multiple social groups.

If you’re going to louhei, there’s a new rule, too.

Face masks must be worn during the tossing of yusheng, and that the louhei should be done without any verbalisation of the usual auspicious phrases. F&B establishments and enterprises serving lohei must ensure that both the staff and patrons comply with these requirements.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: louhei without shouting is akin to having burgers without fries, but this rule is to ensure that we don’t raise our voice.

For reunion dinners, the usual rules apply.

For those interested, here’s PM Lee’s take on the new CNY rules and why they’re essential.

Feature Image: Google Map