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Police investigating ‘non-Singaporeans’ who flouted safe distancing at Robertson Quay: Masagos

SINGAPORE — The police have traced a number of “non-Singaporeans” who had gathered in Robertson Quay over the weekend and are investigating them, Mr Masagos Zulkifli said on Monday (May 18).

Police and enforcement officers approaching people sitting on steps at Robertson Quay on May 17, 2020.

Police and enforcement officers approaching people sitting on steps at Robertson Quay on May 17, 2020.

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SINGAPORE — The police have traced a number of “non-Singaporeans” who had gathered in Robertson Quay over the weekend and are investigating them, Mr Masagos Zulkifli said on Monday (May 18).

The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources noted in a Facebook post that photos of crowds along Robertson Quay have been circulating this past weekend.

“The circuit breaker can only work when everybody plays their part. We will enforce against anybody found breaching safe distancing measures,” he said.

A post by Facebook user Lectress Pat with photos showing crowds gathering at the Robertson Quay area outside several food-and-beverage outlets when viral over the weekend.

Pictures of people exercising and cycling in the area, as well as those standing outside a restaurant with half-empty cups of beer on the table, accompanied the post.

TODAY then went down to the scene on Sunday at noon and found that the stretch of footpath along the bars and restaurants was bustling with joggers, cyclists and people strolling with their children in tow. 

In response to TODAY’s queries, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said on Sunday that it had issued a written direction to the restaurants to “cease the sale of takeaway alcohol with immediate effect”, as this had contributed to more people gathering around these premises.

The authority also warned that individuals found to be in breach of safe distancing measures will be fined.

On Monday, URA said that alongside other agencies, it has been regularly patrolling various areas, including Robertson Quay, to ensure compliance with various safe distancing measures by both business operators as well as individuals.

It said that it has issued close to 30 fines and five closure orders over the past month to both individuals and businesses operators in various locations. TODAY has asked the authority how many fines were issued in Robertson Quay alone.

Mr Masagos on Monday said that URA will continue to monitor the area with the police to ensure compliance by operators and individuals.

He urged members of the public to abide by the letter and the spirit of the law to contain Covid-19, adding that the fight against the coronavirus is “far from over”.

Mr Masagos said that “we must stay cautious and resilient to keep our loved ones and Singapore safe”.

At the same time, he asked members of the public to highlight breaches of safe distancing to the authorities.

“If you see any offenders, please don’t just take photos for a posting. Report it through the #OneService app with specific details and photos,” he said.

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Covid-19 coronavirus Robertson Quay takeaway alcohol safe distancing

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