Weekday entry restrictions at 4 popular wet markets to be eased

[SINGAPORE] Entry restrictions at four popular wet markets will be eased from Thursday (Aug 13) after a noticeable reduction in weekday queues, according to a circular from the National Environment Agency (NEA) to stallholders, seen by The Straits Times.

The four wet markets are: Geylang Serai Market, Chong Pang Market at Block 104/105 Yishun Ring Road, the market at Block 20/21 Marsiling Lane and the one at Block 505 Jurong West Street 52.

Dated Tuesday, the circular said that the rule which allowed shoppers to visit these markets only on alternate days - depending on the last digit of their identity card number - would be lifted on weekdays.

The aim is to further reduce crowding on weekends by allowing people more time to shop during the week, it said.

Since the rule was implemented on April 22, crowding at the four markets during weekdays has been reduced to the point where short or no queues were observed.

"NEA has been monitoring the situation closely for the past three months," the letter read. "We have observed that the odd/even date entry restriction has been effective in reducing the queues."

The rule will continue to apply on weekends. Other measures such as the use of SafeEntry for contact tracing purposes and the 1m distance between patrons will remain in place.

Chong Pang Market provision shop owner Ng Meng Seah said whether there will be a significant increase in the number of shoppers on weekdays is quite "unpredictable". The 65-year-old does not have special plans to manage potential crowds as "there is only so much you can do to prepare".

"There is not much I can do due to space constraints. I will wait for Thursday to see if there is a big change in the number of patrons before I react."

Mr Ng's earnings have been "more or less affected" in the past few months by the increased regulations but said he would not jump the gun by celebrating the easing of the rules too early.

Retiree Chan Heng Lian, who frequents Chong Pang Market, said the easing of weekday restrictions makes the rules a lot less complicated. The former electronics factory worker, who is now in his 70s, said he is happy he can now visit the market whenever he wants on weekdays, especially as "it is really crowded on weekends".

"I have already been avoiding the weekends so this is great news," he said. "This makes things so much easier for me."

This easing of restrictions has yet to be officially announced but comes as Singapore recorded just 61 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, a low not seen since before the circuit breaker period started.

The government has been progressively easing rules that were imposed earlier in the year to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Up to 50 people can now attend weddings, while some places of worship have been given permission by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to hold congregations of up to 100 people.

THE STRAITS TIMES