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

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.