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Over 10 people who repeatedly broke safe distancing rules face S$1,000 fines as big crowds throng some weekend markets

SINGAPORE — More than 10 people here face fines of S$1,000 each for repeatedly breaching the country’s enhanced safe distancing measures, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said on Sunday (April 19).

Mr Masagos Zulkifli said he is concerned that popular markets — such as the Geylang Serai Market — continue to be places where people gather over a prolonged period.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli said he is concerned that popular markets — such as the Geylang Serai Market — continue to be places where people gather over a prolonged period.

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SINGAPORE — More than 10 people here face fines of S$1,000 each for repeatedly breaching the country’s enhanced safe distancing measures, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said on Sunday (April 19).

These offenders include those who did not wear a mask when in public places.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Mr Masagos said the authorities will fine more than 240 people who had not complied with the safe distancing measures. Another 120 first-time offenders will also be fined for not wearing a mask outside of their homes.

Since April 12, first-time offenders have faced fines of S$300 for non-compliance of safe distancing measures, a tightening of rules which had earlier provided for an initial stern warning.

Mr Masagos said the numbers on Sunday — more than 360 regular fines and 10 of the S$1,000 fines — represented an increase from Saturday.

On Saturday, about 200 people were caught flouting safe distancing measures while over 80 had been caught without a mask outside their homes.

Noting that more households are now cooking at home with the current circuit breaker measures in place, Mr Masagos urged members of the public to do their best to minimise the crowding at markets by visiting during off-peak hours, on weekdays, or by going to less popular markets.

Acknowledging that “it is necessary to head to the supermarkets and markets… to prepare meals for our families”, Mr Masagos said that the authorities saw long queues at several markets again this weekend.

“At 8am this morning (Sunday), for instance, there were around 200 people queuing at Geylang Serai Market, and the average waiting time to get into the market was at least 30 minutes,” wrote Mr Masagos.

He continued: “Meanwhile, at Tekka Market there was no queue, and at 505 Jurong West, the queue was short and fast-moving, and it took less than 10 minutes to get into the market.”

Mr Masagos said he is concerned that popular markets — such as the Geylang Serai Market — continue to be places where people gather over a prolonged period.

“Old habits die hard. If we let our guard down a moment, it is possible it could result in another Covid-19 infection cluster,” Mr Masagos warned.

He added that the public must always be alert in this “battle against such a contagious disease”.

“This is why our enforcement officers (EOs) and ambassadors have been vigilant and strict in managing crowds and ensuring safe distancing at these markets. So let's not lapse; our EOs won't!” said Mr Masagos.

Urging members of the public to stay home, he said that if they have to leave their homes, the public should remember “to put on a mask and follow safe distancing measures at all times”.

“Do not stay out longer than necessary. Please! This is the best way to protect ourselves and those around us,” he added.

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Covid-19 circuit breaker Geylang market safe distancing

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