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COVID-19: People's Association scraps Geylang Serai and other Hari Raya bazaars

<p>Geylang Serai bazaar light-up. (Photo: Wan Ting Koh/Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore) </p>

Geylang Serai bazaar light-up. (Photo: Wan Ting Koh/Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore)

SINGAPORE — The People's Association (PA) has scrapped this year’s Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and is also cancelling all the other Hari Raya festive bazaars that it usually organises.

"For the well-being and safety of our residents, the PA will not be organising festive bazaars and trade fairs with effect from 18 March 2020. This includes the annual Hari Raya Bazaars organised at Wisma Geylang Serai as well as at Our Tampines Hub and in Woodlands," said a PA spokesperson in a statement on Wednesday (18 March).

"As the festive bazaars contribute to the festive mood, we understand that some residents may be disappointed. However, as our bazaars attract large crowds, we have taken the difficult decision not to proceed with these activities."

The government has already implemented a number of social distancing measures. Last Tuesday, all senior-centric activities conducted by government agencies were suspended for 14 days. These include activities held at community centres (CCs), Residents’ Committees (RCs) and senior activity centres.

Three days later, all ticketed cultural, sports and entertainment events with 250 participants or more were deferred or cancelled.

In 2019, a record 2 million people attended the bazaar at Wisma Geylang Serai.

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