Beaches in S'pore to reopen on Friday, June 19, 2020

Time to head to the beaches again.

Belmont Lay| June 17, 2020, 11:14 PM

Singapore's beaches will reopen on Friday, June 19, 2020.

Places that were closed during phase 1 and will reopen in phase 2 include those under the National Parks Board, Singapore Land Authority, Sentosa Development Corporation and town councils.

Park facilities previously closed but will reopen include playgrounds, skate parks, hard courts, fishing areas, dog runs, beaches, lawns and fields, shelters and car parks, the NParks said.

Areas such as car parks and dog runs in parks will be accessible again to the public, with phase two kicking in.

Even though more activities will be allowed, NParks and the SLA reminded people they should carry them out safely, such as limiting groups to just five people.

Food and beverage, retail, recreation and convenience outlets in gardens, parks and nature reserves, will be subject to safe management guidelines.

Preschool group of up to 10 students with two staff members will also be permitted in gardens and parks, NParks said.

Recreational activities allowed again

Recreational activities such as picnics or kite-flying were previously not allowed at parks and nature reserves in Singapore during the circuit breaker period.

These spaces could only allow visits for exercise activities.

But come Friday, activities such as having picnics and recreational games will be permitted, although visitors must wear a mask, except when engaging in strenuous exercises.

The SLA also said on Wednesday that its playfields, as well as the beaches at St John's, Lazarus and Kusu islands, which are located off Singapore's southern coast, will be reopened.

Some areas still closed

The St John's Island Lodge, which includes the holiday bungalow and three campsites on St John's Island, will remain closed for now, said the SLA.

This is because activities there tend to involve large numbers of people who are likely to come into close contact and for prolonged periods of time.

NParks also said that some of its facilities, including camping sites, barbecue pits, galleries and attractions such as the National Orchid Garden will remain closed for now.