Covid-19: Entry to popular markets to be restricted based on customers’ IC numbers

SINGAPORE — To further reduce the movement of people in public places, the Government will impose entry restrictions at “hot spots”, which could include popular wet markets and supermarkets, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said on Tuesday (April 21).

The new measures, which will kick in on Wednesday, seek to “clean out the crowds” and reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus in these areas, said Mr Wong during a press conference by the multi-ministry task force leading Singapore's response to Covid-19.

For a start, four markets will be affected by the restrictions: Geylang Serai Market, Chong Pang Market at Block 104 and 105 Yishun Ring Road, as well as the markets at Block 20 and 21 Marsiling Lane and Block 505 Jurong West Street 52, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement. These markets have been managed by NEA or NEA-appointed operators since April 7.

People whose National Registration Identification Card (NRIC) or Foreign Identification Number (Fin) ends in an even digit (0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) may visit these markets only on even dates of the month. Those with odd numbers as their last digit (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may do so on odd dates of the month, said NEA.

For example, a person whose NRIC or Fin ends with a 7 may visit any of the four markets only on dates ending with a 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9, such as April 27 or May 3.

And a person whose NRIC or Fin ends with an 8, for example, may visit any of the four markets only on dates ending with 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8, such as April 30 or May 4.

Patrons must produce appropriate forms of identification for verification at the entry points to these markets. Otherwise, they will be denied entry.

Only elderly customers or persons with disabilities may be accompanied by another member of the same household or a foreign domestic worker to help them with their shopping.

At least one person of that pair must still meet the odd or even entry-date restriction to gain access to the market, NEA said, adding that seniors are encouraged to avoid visiting markets, especially during peak hours. They should seek help with their marketing needs, the agency said.

Meanwhile, the National Parks Board said all car parks in gardens, parks and nature reserves would be shut during this period.

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At the press conference, Mr Wong again urged residents to stay home, and not to turn a trip to the supermarket or exercise time into a “family outing”.

“Best way to beat the virus is to stay home. If you need to buy… buy alone. Do not turn it into a family outing. Need to exercise, do it in your own neighbourhood. Do not travel out,” said Mr Wong.

Separately, the authorities will move to reduce the list of essential services, with the aim of trimming the workforce that continues to go out to work from 20 per cent to 15 per cent.

“We will do this by making cuts across all sectors of the economy, but also in businesses that are consumer-facing, including the food and business sector and other services,” said Mr Wong.

Earlier, in his live televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that grass-cutting in public housing estates, for instance, would be reduced. 

Mr Wong said: “This means that all of us may face some degradation of services or we may not be able to access food and beverage or certain services that we have become accustomed to."