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COVID-19: ‘Extremely crowded’ beaches at East Coast Park, Sentosa a concern – Masagos

Large crowds were seen at East Coast Park over the weekend, said Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli on 21 July 2020. (PHOTO: NParks)
Large crowds were seen at East Coast Park over the weekend, said Environment and Water Resources Minister Masagos Zulkifli on 21 July 2020. (PHOTO: NParks)

SINGAPORE — Complacency may be setting in amid the COVID-19 pandemic as seen in the “extremely crowded” beaches at East Coast Park and Sentosa over the past weekend, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli on Tuesday (21 July).

Safe distancing ambassadors and enforcement officers at the beaches had encountered many groups comprising more than 10 people who were from extended families, or were friends congregating, Masagos said in a Facebook post.

To control the crowds, NParks has segmented the more popular beachfronts at East Coast Park since early July and temporarily closed certain sections when they get too crowded, he added.

“We must be mindful, and continue being vigilant...I have been concerned that some complacency may be setting in, at a time when we must keep our guard up.”

Masagos also mentioned about 28 individuals who will be charged in court for allegedly violating safe distancing rules through social gathering during the circuit breaker period and Phase 1 of reopening.

He reminded members of the public to observe these rules including not intermixing between groups at parks, beaches and other public spaces.

His comments come as the Ministry of Health on the same day preliminarily reported 399 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 48,434.

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