Do more to curb crowds at malls

I was at Orchard Road on Aug 9 and noticed some large crowds at some malls, including Lucky Plaza, which is popular with foreign domestic workers (FDWs).

A check of the Government’s SpaceOut website that tracks real-time crowd levels at malls also shows that even on weekdays, malls at different parts of the island can be at maximum crowd level (100 per cent) or are 76 per cent to 99 per cent crowded based on prevailing safe distancing guidelines.

While Covid-19 cases in the community remain low, we must not underestimate the risk of infections due to crowds at these malls. We have seen in many other countries how it takes just a moment of letting one’s guard down for a Covid-19 cluster to form.

The writer took this photo of crowds along the walkway outside Tang Plaza along Orchard Road on Aug 9.  Photo courtesy of Ong Kim Bock

For example, an infection cluster of FDWs, once developed, can be more challenging to tackle than that of foreign workers in the dormitories. 

This is because the helpers are residing with employers and could possibly infect other household members, including seniors who are more vulnerable to Covid-19.

Control measures must be stepped up to prevent crowds in and outside malls. These should include requesting shoppers to leave the mall once they finish their errands. No loitering, waiting or gathering in and outside the mall should be allowed.

More safety ambassadors could be deployed to enforce these rules and those who flout them should be fined.   

Prevention is better than cure.

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