Starting today, Apr. 12, it will be compulsory for shoppers to wear a mask in the following locations:
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Pharmacies
- Shopping malls
This is to safeguard the health and well-being of customers and staff in these premises, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said in a press release on Apr. 11.
ESG and STB also said that the above-mentioned venues have the right to turn away those who do not wear masks.
ESG and STB recommendations
ESG and STB also recommended that members of the public take the following additional precautions:
- Visit supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies on weekdays or during non-peak hours on weekends, where possible.
- Make purchases quickly and refrain from lingering at the above-mentioned premises before and after items have been purchased.
- Refrain from bringing along family members to the supermarkets, especially the young and elderly, in order to reduce congestion.
- Visit other outlets if the ones they frequent tend to be crowded. The public may also refer to http://www.spaceout.gov.sg to find out crowd levels in malls and supermarkets.
Where else must masks be worn?
1. 40 NEA-managed markets
Masks are also compulsory at 39 markets with access control measures in place.
This includes popular markets at Geylang Serai, Block 505 Jurong West St 52 and Block 104/105 Yishun Ring Road, which NEA identified as hotspots with big crowds.
2. Public Transport
All commuters will have to continue wearing masks on public transport even after the circuit breaker period has ended, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said in a Facebook post on Saturday (Apr. 11).
While they are currently not compulsory, Khaw intends to make it so.
Transport Ambassadors and posters serve as reminders for commuters to wear masks.
Last day for mask collection
Apr. 12 is the last day for Singaporeans to collect free masks.
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Top photo by Sumita Thiagarajan