Disamenities and Inconveniences Caused by Placement of Safe Distancing Barricades at Public Places
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the management of disamenities caused by safe distancing barricades and the timeliness of responding to public feedback, as raised by Mr Yip Hon Weng. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that markers were essential for public safety during the Circuit Breaker but are being re-calibrated as the economy reopens. While 3,000 personnel continue to monitor crowded hotspots like markets and beaches, the Government aims to minimize business disruptions through constant stakeholder discussions. An example of this responsiveness is the recent lifting of odd-even entry restrictions at four popular markets following risk assessments and feedback. The strategy balances protecting livelihoods with preventing community spread, requiring ongoing public cooperation to maintain control over virus transmission.
Transcript
24 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what is being done to alleviate the disamenities and inconveniences caused by the placement of safety distancing barricades and markers at public places; and (b) whether the responses pertaining to feedback from the public concerning safe distancing features are dealt with in a timely manner.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: COVID-19 is a global pandemic of unprecedented scale and will remain with us for some time. We must therefore adapt and adjust the way we live, work and play to reduce the spread of the virus and keep ourselves and others around us safe.
During the Circuit Breaker period, the Government implemented stringent safe management and safe distancing measures, to curb disease transmission. The barricades and markers to restrict access to amenities such as public benches, fitness corners, sports stadiums were necessary to protect the well-being of our population.
We removed some of these barriers and markers as we gradually reopened our economy in Phase Two, to allow more businesses to operate. However, we must remain vigilant to keep the COVID-19 cases down. Every day, around 3,000 Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers are deployed to educate the public and take enforcement action against egregious cases.
In crowded areas, control measures are still necessary to ensure safe distancing and prevent inter-mingling between groups to curb transmission. For instance, we have maintained, or even enhanced, access controls at some crowded hotspots like popular markets, shopping malls and beaches, in tandem with enhanced public education efforts. We work closely with the business operators in implementing these measures, and are grateful for their understanding as we strike a balance between protecting livelihoods and preventing community spread.
At the same time, we are mindful to minimise inconvenience to patrons and businesses from these safe distancing measures, such as longer waiting times and disruptions to businesses. Agencies are in constant discussion with stakeholders and re-calibrate our measures where the situation allows. For example, NEA had recently lifted the odd or even date entry restrictions at the four popular markets following feedback from stakeholders, and after assessing the crowd levels and the risks of transmission.
With the co-operation from business operators and the community, we have been able to manage the COVID-19 situation and keep community spread low. However, we cannot afford to be complacent. I urge everyone to continue to cooperate and play your part in adhering to safe management and safe distancing measures, so that we continue to keep community transmission under control.