The National Environment Agency (NEA) has introduced a new measure to restrict access to four popular markets.
These markets are:
- Geylang Serai Market,
- Block 104/105 Yishun Ring Road (Chong Pang Market)
- Block 20/21 Marsiling Lane
- Block 505 Jurong West Street 52.
Starting April 22, visitors' access to these markets will be restricted based on the last digit of their National Registration Identification Card (NRIC) or Foreign Identification Number (FIN).
Those with an even last digit (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) can only visit these markets on the even dates of the month.
Those with an odd last digit (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can only visit these markets on the odd dates of the month.
Patrons will have to produce appropriate forms of identification at the entry points of these markets for verification.
Those who are unable to do so will be denied entry.
To thin out the crowds at markets, NEA rolled out other crowd management measures such as controlled entry and exit points, and also urged patrons to visit on weekdays or during non-peak periods on weekends.
These measures have helped, said NEA.
NEA added:
"Based on ground observations from April 7 to 19, we have observed that more patrons are starting to visit markets during the less crowded hours, between 6am to 7am or after 10am."
However, the four markets listed above continued to see long queues over the last weekend, said NEA, hence the enhanced crowd restriction measures.
"The health of all depends on each and everyone of us working together," said NEA.
"Members of the public are urged to take safe distancing measures at markets and hawker centres seriously, and do our part to help make the current circuit breaker measures a success."
Top image via OKOGuide.com