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NDP 2020: Crowds gather at various activity hot spots despite appeals for people to celebrate at home

SINGAPORE — Despite appeals from the authorities for people to celebrate National Day from the comfort of home, people still turned up in droves to bask in the festivities on Sunday (Aug 9).

Crowds look on as the Red Lions prepare to land at an open field opposite Blk 285C Toh Guan Road during the National Day Parade on Aug 9, 2020.

Crowds look on as the Red Lions prepare to land at an open field opposite Blk 285C Toh Guan Road during the National Day Parade on Aug 9, 2020.

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  • Sizeable crowds were observed at various locations near National Day activities
  • Some in the crowd made an effort to observe safe distancing
  • Others were seen in groups larger than five, not observing 1m distance

 

SINGAPORE — Despite appeals from the authorities for people to celebrate National Day from the comfort of home, people still turned up in droves to bask in the festivities on Sunday (Aug 9).

Large crowds were observed in some “hot spots” across the island to view the activities planned, such as the Red Lions landing, the mobile column contingents which drove through the heartlands and the fireworks displays at 10 locations across the island.

Just days before the event, the organisers had stressed that those viewing the activities in public spaces must adhere to safe-distancing rules, such as wearing masks, remaining in groups of five or fewer and maintaining 1m safe distancing from one another.

They also discouraged people gathering in public spaces from singing the national anthem and reciting the pledge aloud, to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.

Crowds gather near Ng Teng Fong General Hospital to watch the Red Lions. Photo: Ili Nadhirah Mansor/TODAY

The issue of large crowds was also raised when the organisers announced their plans for NDP 2020 in May.

Brigadier-General Frederick Choo, the chairman of the parade’s executive committee, had said that with large-scale events such as fireworks, mobile columns and fly-pasts, he was “aware that the crowds may build” and noted that the organising team had put in safeguards.

These safeguards included ambassadors on the ground to engage Singaporeans who may miss out on the advisories, and soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces were tasked to work closely with the other enforcement agencies to watch the ground.

However, those who were out and about for the celebrations told TODAY that they were not too concerned about the crowds as they were mindful about keeping a safe distance from others.

For instance, students Ms Rui Di Chen, 23, and Mr Marcus Lai, 23, who were seated outside the Esplanade Theatre to watch the fireworks, said they purposefully chose a more secluded corner so that they can be away from the crowds.

“I don’t think there’s anything to worry about because as long as we keep to the rules and keep our distance from others we should be safe,” said Mr Lai.

Agreeing, Mr Hamzah Khamis, a private-hire driver who watched the fireworks near The Float @ Marina Bay with his wife, said that they made sure to stay back from crowds surging forward as a precaution.

“Because it’s an open space so (it’s not as dangerous),” said the 52-year-old. “It was crowded further up but I know not to gather at the crowded place”.

At a viewing area along the Singapore River near the Esplanade Theatre, TODAY observed that while there were people lined up along the riverside in anticipation of the fireworks, the area had been cordoned off hours before the display to limit crowd sizes.

The scene near Esplanade Theatre at about 8.45pm as members of the public dispersed after the fireworks display. Photo: Tessa Oh/ TODAY

Indeed, some who viewed the fireworks in public, like Ms Chen, said that the crowds were considerably thinner than in previous years.

She had expected that the crowds in town would be much bigger than what she saw on Sunday night as the area has usually been packed with people during past National Day celebrations.

TODAY also observed several extended family groups that exceeded the five-person limit on gatherings.

One extended family consisting of three households who gathered in a group of eight, said that they spread themselves out along the riverside so that they maintained a safe distance.

When safe distancing ambassadors walked by, they would tell them they were in two different groups.

“As long as everybody does their part, wearing their mask with the proper social distancing, it should not be a problem,” said one family member.

Still, there were some who raised concerns about the lack of safe distancing measures, especially during the fireworks display itself when people looked up, rather than at one another.

Mechanical engineer Sky Moo, 39, and housewife Maggie Li, 43, both said that safe distancing was not always observed.

They had brought their two young boys, who are four and nine, to view the fireworks at the F1 Pit Building, and were concerned for their safety amid the crowd.

“Before the fireworks they were (practising safe distancing), but during the fireworks nobody practised,” said Ms Li, who added that people were too preoccupied with the display.

“Going into the darkness, some people wore the mask without covering their nose, and the (authorities) are not aware,” added Mr Moo.

Then there were those who observed that some members of the public ignored the repeated reminders from safe distancing ambassadors.

Undergraduate students Ms Natalie Jacob, 18, Ms Vanessa Joanne, 18, and Ms Sarah Lim, 18, who viewed the fireworks display from Gardens By the Bay, observed that most of the people around them had ignored the warnings from the authorities to abide by safe distancing rules.

“Actually I’m quite annoyed because (the rules are meant to keep people safe), and I’m afraid that the Covid-19 cases will increase (because of this),” said Ms Jacob.

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NDP 2020 National Day Red Lions safe distancing

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