SINGAPORE: A 28-day "circuit breaker" may not be enough if Singaporeans continue to flout measures put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19, said Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli on Thursday (Apr 16).
He warned against complacency even as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow, saying that 150 people will be issued fines for breaching safe distancing measures on Thursday - day 10 of the circuit breaker period.
AdvertisementAdvertisement"We are still finding people eating at hawker centres despite dine-in being disallowed, crowds returning to some popular markets, and others loitering and hanging out in groups at parks and public spaces," said Mr Masagos in a Facebook post.
"We all know that if we do not play our part to observe the circuit breaker strictly, the 28 days may not be enough to break the chain of transmission, don't we?"
[h=3]READ: Demand for frozen food, freezers spikes amid COVID-19 pandemic[/h][h=3]READ: As COVID-19 hits F&B sector, calls emerge for delivery apps to lower commission fees[/h] AdvertisementAdvertisement
Safe distancing at a coffee shop in Yishun. (Photo: Facebook/Masagos Zulkifli)
Mr Masagos said he was "glad to know the majority" of people have been wearing masks when outside their homes, and "only close to 50 people" were found without masks in public spaces on Thursday.
"It's a good sign but I hope we will find none tomorrow!" he added.
On Tuesday, it was made mandatory for everyone in Singapore to wear masks while outdoors with certain exemptions.
[h=3]READ: What the law says about having to wear a mask when outside your home[/h]The minister acknowledged that the battle against COVID-19 has been "difficult for everyone" and that "tough but essential decisions" have had to be made.
"But we must do whatever it takes to keep Singaporeans and Singapore safe," said Mr Masagos. "Every lapse weakens our collective defence against the virus."
"When things look like they're getting better ... we must not let our guard down. Our resolve to complete the circuit breaker with seriousness, to the end, is critical."
[h=3]READ: Circuit breaker blues - how to help children cope with changes to routine[/h]He also paid tribute to safety distancing ambassadors and public officers, whom he commended for working hard on the front lines and behind the scenes.
"Despite the many challenges, I am proud that they have remained dedicated and steadfast," said Mr Masagos.
[h=3]BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments[/h]Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
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He warned against complacency even as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow, saying that 150 people will be issued fines for breaching safe distancing measures on Thursday - day 10 of the circuit breaker period.
AdvertisementAdvertisement"We are still finding people eating at hawker centres despite dine-in being disallowed, crowds returning to some popular markets, and others loitering and hanging out in groups at parks and public spaces," said Mr Masagos in a Facebook post.
"We all know that if we do not play our part to observe the circuit breaker strictly, the 28 days may not be enough to break the chain of transmission, don't we?"
[h=3]READ: Demand for frozen food, freezers spikes amid COVID-19 pandemic[/h][h=3]READ: As COVID-19 hits F&B sector, calls emerge for delivery apps to lower commission fees[/h] AdvertisementAdvertisement
Mr Masagos said he was "glad to know the majority" of people have been wearing masks when outside their homes, and "only close to 50 people" were found without masks in public spaces on Thursday.
"It's a good sign but I hope we will find none tomorrow!" he added.
On Tuesday, it was made mandatory for everyone in Singapore to wear masks while outdoors with certain exemptions.
[h=3]READ: What the law says about having to wear a mask when outside your home[/h]The minister acknowledged that the battle against COVID-19 has been "difficult for everyone" and that "tough but essential decisions" have had to be made.
"But we must do whatever it takes to keep Singaporeans and Singapore safe," said Mr Masagos. "Every lapse weakens our collective defence against the virus."
"When things look like they're getting better ... we must not let our guard down. Our resolve to complete the circuit breaker with seriousness, to the end, is critical."
[h=3]READ: Circuit breaker blues - how to help children cope with changes to routine[/h]He also paid tribute to safety distancing ambassadors and public officers, whom he commended for working hard on the front lines and behind the scenes.
"Despite the many challenges, I am proud that they have remained dedicated and steadfast," said Mr Masagos.
[h=3]BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments[/h]Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
Let's block ads! (Why?)
More...