In recent days, photos of people playing sports in a large group have been circuiting on social media.
These have caught the attention of the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu. In her recent Facebook post, she mentioned that she has been receiving feedback that people have been breaching some of the COVID-19 measures at various HDB basketball and badminton courts.
She added that the Town Council will continue to monitor the situation and if such breach of the COVID-19 measures persists, the public facilities such as basketball court will be closed.
In her post:
“As the #exMCCYwoman, I recognise the importance of leading an active lifestyle. Sports is something that I greatly enjoy, and am passionate about. But amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, we should engage in sporting activities with safety as our utmost priority.
Since the start of Phase 2, we have reopened community facilities and areas such as game courts, beaches and parks. To ensure that everyone can enjoy these facilities safely, we have put in place safe management measures, including maintaining a safe distance of at least 1m between individuals or groups, and limiting the group size for any form of activities (social or sporting) to a maximum of 5 persons. Intermingling between groups is strictly prohibited. Members of the public are also required to wear masks at all times unless eating, drinking or engaging in strenuous exercise.
However, we have received numerous feedback that these measures were breached at game courts located in various HDB estates lately. Despite the efforts of our Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers on the ground, large groups of residents continue to gather frequently at the game courts for games, and often without their masks when they are not engaging in any sports or strenuous activities. We take these breaches very seriously.
Town Councils will continue to monitor the situation closely. Should such breaches persist, Town Councils will take firm action and close selected game courts and community facilities, where safe management measures are not adhered to.
I sincerely hope that all of us can continue with our sporting activities in a socially responsible way. Remember that community vigilance is our first line of defence. We are responsible for our own health, and the safety of our loved ones. If you spot any breach of safe distancing measures, please make a report through the OneService app so that agencies can investigate the matter (https://www.oneservice.sg).”
