NEA New Measures: Compulsory to Wear Masks When In The Market From 12 Apr

Boon Hun

2020-04-11 , 10:25 am

There’s a reason why the government gave its people reusable masks.

They want you to put it on when you’re out and about (for essential reasons, that is).

Previously, it was something that was strongly encouraged, especially at markets.

But from 12 Apr onwards, you must wear them when going to markets.

NEA New Measures: Compulsory to Wear Masks When In The Market From 12 Apr

Starting from 12 Apr, if you go to a market without a mask, you will not be allowed in to buy things.

This rule will apply at the 40 markets the National Environment Agency (NEA) operate.

NEA says:

“With reusable masks being made available to Singapore residents, patrons should don a mask when visiting markets, given the generally crowded and closed-in environment in markets.”

Here is the list of markets:

Tiong Bahru Market
Bukit Timah Market
Tanglin Halt Market
Geylang Serai Market
Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre
North Bridge Road Market & Food Centre
Beo Crescent Market
Kallang Estate Market
409 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10
505 Jurong West Street 52
13/14 Haig Road
4A Eunos Crescent
104/105 Yishun Ring Road
137 Tampines Street 11
630 Bedok Reservoir Road
209 Hougang Street 21
453A Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10
527 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10
628 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4
341 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
20 Ghim Moh Road
29 Bendemeer Road
49 Sims Place
254 Jurong East Street 24
448 Clementi Avenue 3
50A Marine Terrace
160/162 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4
115 Bukit Merah View
726 Clementi Street 2
79 Redhill Lane
105 Hougang Avenue 1
16 Bedok South Road
216 Bedok North Street 1
58 New Upp Changi Road
335 Smith Street
347 Jurong East Avenue 1
20/21 Marsiling Lane
665 Buffalo Road
221 A/B Boon Lay Place
127 Toa Payoh Lorong 1

And before you think of trying to sneak in, just know that these 40 markets have controlled entry and exit points to control the crowd within the market.

Cooperation Needed From Both Stallholders & Members Of The Public

While safe distancing measures have been put into place at the markets, NEA observed that large crowds over the weekends can still be seen at markets such as Geylang Serai, 505 Jurong West Street 52 and 104/105 Yishun Ring Road.

They’ve also advised for people to leave if there’s too large a queue waiting to enter the market, and come back “another day”.

Do weekly shopping trips instead of daily ones, they added, and whenever possible, go during off-peak hours.

Stricter Measures Will Be Implemented If Needed

NEA has said that it will consider (and implement) stronger measures if needed:

“If the ground situation at these few hotspots does not improve, NEA would consider even stronger measures to reduce crowding both inside and outside these markets.”

On Friday, they’ve deployed their officers on the ground and took enforcement actions against 68 individuals in the markets and cooked sections of hawker centres.

One of them was a patron who said he “didn’t know” that he has breached safe distancing measures and refused to comply with the officers.

The other was waiting for his spouse and verbally abused officers who approached him.

In both cases, the police have to be called in.

NEA urges the members of the public to obey the safe distancing measures in place.

Failure to do so could result in a composition fine of $300, or worse.

“All patrons and visitors are reminded to follow the guidance and instructions of NEA officers. Non-compliant patrons and visitors may face enforcement action, including a composition fine of S$300 or prosecution in court.”

“The cooperation of all patrons, as well as stallholders, is required so that further stricter measures will not be necessary beyond the current circuit breaker to halt the transmission of COVID-19 in Singapore.”

Here’s what they really meant: if people continue to breach rules, don’t blame us for starting to take things away from you.

NEA New Measures: Compulsory to Wear Masks When In The Market From 12 Apr

NEA New Measures: Compulsory to Wear Masks When In The Market From 12 Apr

Here is the list of markets:

Cooperation Needed From Both Stallholders & Members Of The Public

Stricter Measures Will Be Implemented If Needed

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