Update on Aug. 21, 2020, 7:35pm: This article was updated with a statement by the Singapore Food Agency.
One video of a coffee shop in Sengkang has been circulating online, with netizens noting the lack of social distancing in the clips.
Two days after the video went viral, the coffee shop is visibly empty, with most outdoor seatings kept away.
Patrons mingling and conversing
The scene from a clip posted by Facebook page All Singapore Stuff showed numerous patrons standing around the corridor and outdoor seating area laughing and talking.
Some groups appear to include more than the maximum of five people that the government has limited groups to.
One table in particular showed four people seated and engaging in conversation with another three people standing around.
Most of these patrons did not have their mask on. A number appeared to be drinking alcohol with a few buckets of beer spotted in the video as well.
The coffee shop in question seems to be a newly-opened Food Hub at Blk 455 Sengkang West Ave, and several flower stands were seen adorning the side of the corridor.
Although it is uncertain when this scene took place, the video garnered significant traction on Aug. 18.
A quieter scene
When Mothership went down to visit on Aug. 20, 9:30pm, the situation appeared much more subdued.
All the tables and chairs outside of the coffee shop were removed, and the tables placed along the corridor were limited to four people each.
An employee told Chinese media 8World news that it is to reduce crowding at the coffeeshop after the video went viral.
A police report has been made and investigations are ongoing.
Photo by Zheng Zhangxin
Crowds of patrons were longer present, and only a few people were spotted eating there.
Photo by Zheng Zhangxin
Photo by Zheng Zhangxin
In comparison, it was a tad rowdier at the coffee shop across the street.
Photo by Zheng Zhangxin
Photo by Zheng Zhangxin
Patrons were spotting eating and drinking at around 9:30pm to 10pm.
The patrons consuming alcohol mostly kept to their own tables.
Most also appeared to adhere to safe distancing regulations.
The sale of alcohol at retail outlets in Singapore, including coffee shops, is prohibited from 10:30pm to 7am.
Inspection found no breach of safe distancing measures
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) told Mothership in a statement that inspections the agency conducted at the coffee shop found that all safe distancing measures were adhered to.
SFA also warned the operator that they would take action if such measures are not observed.
Here's the full statement:
"As operators of F&B establishments play a major role in providing a safe environment for customers and workers, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), together with other government agencies, works closely with industry partners to ensure F&B establishments are aware of and adhere to the guidelines. For the safety and well-being of everyone, we urge all F&B personnel and patrons to continue to observe all relevant safe distancing measures, including the wearing of masks, under the COVID-19 (Control Order) Regulations. Patrons should also exercise social responsibility and cooperate fully with F&B outlets.
Responding to feedback, SFA conducted inspections at the food establishment and found that safe management measures (SMM) were generally in place. We have warned the operator to adhere to SMMs at all times, and will not hesitate to take action to ensure that compliance is strictly observed by the establishment operators."
We deliver more stories to you on LinkedIn
Top photo from All Singapore Stuff / FB