Recruiting of Safe Distancing Ambassadors will continue after CB: MEWR

More than 3,000 of them are deployed daily.

Guan Zhen Tan| May 26, 2020, 11:30 PM

Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDAs) and Enforcement Officers (EOs) will continue to be deployed to ensure members of the public observe the safe distancing measures, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) announced.

It was announced on May 19 that Singapore will exit the Circuit Breaker in three phases, with Singapore entering phase 1 on June 2.

Approximately 3,000 SDAs and EOs are deployed daily, with more than 65 public agencies involved in enforcement work on the ground.

In response to Mothership's queries, a MEWR spokesman said that safe distancing measures will "still be critical" as Singapore transits to phase 1.

"The risk of resurgence in community transmission remains high and everyone must continue to take maximum precaution as circuit breaker measures are progressively lifted."

New SDAs to be hired

MEWR plans to continue the daily deployment of SDAs and EOs "at current levels for a start, and adjust deployment numbers depending on the ground situation."

They will also recruit and hire new SDAs, which will provide short-term employment and relief for those whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic.

This will also allow some of the public officers to return full-time to their duties, who are also carrying out their regular duties with enforcement work.

Many of the SDAs and EOs are public officers who are juggling their regular duties with enforcement work, MEWR added.

You can read the full statement here:

Safe distancing measures will still be critical as Singapore exits the circuit breaker and transits to Phase 1 from 2 June. The risk of resurgence in community transmission remains high and everyone must continue to take maximum precaution as circuit breaker measures are progressively lifted. Everyone should continue to leave home only for essential activities, and should wear a mask when doing so.

Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDAs) and Enforcement Officers (EOs) will continue to be deployed to ensure members of the public observe the safe distancing measures. Currently, more than 65 public agencies have been involved in enforcement work on the ground, and approximately 3,000 SDAs and EOs are deployed daily. Many of the SDAs and EOs are public officers who are juggling their regular duties with enforcement work.

As it will take some time before Singapore reaches a new normal in Phase 3, new SDAs will be recruited to allow some of the public officers to return full-time to their duties. The SDA role will also provide short-term employment and relief for those whose livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19. The plan is to maintain daily deployment at current levels for a start, and adjust deployment numbers depending on the ground situation.

Top image via Clean & Green Singapore's Facebook page