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According to a press release by the Ministry of Sustainability & the Environment (MSE) on June 11, a total of 77 individuals have been fined for breaching safe management measures (SMMs) in parks managed by the National Parks Board (NParks).

Two premises have also been ordered to close, while two retail outlets were fined S$1,000 each for not having staff to oversee the safe entry checkpoints.

MSE said that it would continue to step up enforcement checks at food and beverage (F&B) premises and identified hotspots, including parks and common areas of HDB estates, as Singapore transits to Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) from June 14.

77 individuals fined at parks

MSE said that the breaches of SMMs at parks included for not wearing masks despite not engaging in strenuous exercises, as well as gathering in groups of more than two people.

Two groups of eight individuals were caught gathering in Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park in violation of the SMMs.

In total, more than 6,000 advisories have been issued by NParks to individuals for not wearing masks, and more than 800 advisories for gathering in groups of more than two people.

Access to some parks, as well as sections of beaches, lawns and facilities, will continue to be temporarily closed, to ensure parks remain safe for the public.

Members of the public are advised to check the Safe Distance @ Parks portal (safedistparks.nparks.gov.sg) for the latest visitorship levels, before heading to parks.

More enforcement checks at parks and HDB common areas

MSE added that it has identified hotspots where SMMs are more frequently breached, based on public feedback and ground observations.

These hotspots include at parks and common areas of HDB estates such as hardcourts, basketball courts and pavilions.

Enforcement checks will be stepped up at these locations, and agencies will close off these facilities where repeated breaches have been observed.

MSE cited an example at Block 90 Pipit Road, where a group of more than a dozen people were found gathering at a pavilion for dance sessions on several occasions.

The pavilion was subsequently cordoned off on May 31, 2021.

Two F&B premises ordered to close

The STARZ Bistro (66 East Coast Road, #03-01) and Steamov Steamboat Buffet Restaurant (367/369 Beach Road) have been ordered to close in breach of SMMs.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has ordered the former to close for 10 days, and the latter for 30 days respectively.

MSE added that F&B premises should make use of the next week to ensure SMMs are in place before dining-in resumes on June 21.

Agencies will continue to step up enforcement on F&B establishments, and take firm action against any breaches of SMMs, including failing to maintain a one-metre safe distance, and allowing groups sizes of more than five persons.

Top image via Lean Jinghui