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The coffeeshop rest areas in Punggol's block 269A and 308C, meant for riders and drivers to have their meals, will be removed.
Area of congregation
Member of Parliament (MP) for Punggol West Single Member Constituency (SMC) Sun Xueling said in a Facebook post on May 30, 2021 that they would be removing these rest areas, which "can be an area of congregation and bring about community risk".
She had also personally seen some "congregation of general workers" on several occasions, which had to be rectified.
Riders and drivers will continue to have the option of resting and having their meals at "open areas" such as void decks and parks, where it is "safe, well aerated, away from crowds", Sun added.
Rest areas for riders & drivers
Sun had previously announced these designated rest area for riders and drivers in two separate Facebook post on May 21 and May 23, 2021.
They are located in the Foodgle coffeeshop at block 308 Punggol Walk and the coffeeshop at block 269A Punggol Field Road.
Block 308 Punggol Walk Foodgle Coffeeshop. Image from Sun Xueling/FB.
Block 269A Punggol Field Road. Image from Sun Xueling/FB.
The rest areas were initially meant for delivery riders and drivers or private hire drivers, who were affected by the tightened measures in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert).
With the restriction of dining in at food and beverage establishments and hawker centres, riders and drivers have fewer places to rest and eat while working.
Many venues have been set up across Singapore for drivers and riders to a break and have their meals, without resorting to eating in the confines of their vehicles.
Pay-It-Forward to continue
Despite the closure of the rest areas, Sun clarified that the Pay-It-Forward programme will continue within those Punggol coffeeshops.
Members of the public can purchase a sticker worth S$1.60 that entitles riders or drivers to redeem a drink.
Image from Sun Xueling/FB.
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Top image from Sun Xueling/FB