Photo credit: YOUTHOPIA/CEDRIC CHAN

Most still seen with masks on, larger crowds at CBD: Observations as new COVID-19 measures kick in on Mar 29

While the changes in measures have rolled in, much of the situation on the ground seems to remain unchanged.

Caleb Lau

Grew up a musician, found a calling in photography and writing. Still in love with all of them.

Published: 29 March 2022, 7:14 PM

Singapore’s biggest move in its advancement to an endemic phase has arrived, with major changes to COVID-19 measures taking effect today (Mar 29). 

In the announcement made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Mar 24, the decisions were made as  the weekly infection growth rate since the beginning of the month had maintained below 1.00.

Prominent changes to the measures are the increment of social gathering sizes from five to 10 and optional mask-wearing in outdoor settings.

As promised by the Ministry of Health in its media release on Mar 24, F&B establishments like hawker centres and markets have removed temporary fencing as well as entry point checks on diners’ vaccination status.

 

nanyang-technological-university-removed-entry-point-checks
Institutions like Nanyang Technological University have removed entry point checks and made entrances to food courts more accessible. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/CALEB LAU

 

hawker-centres-red-tape-boundaries-seat-markings
Not only have the red tape boundaries at hawker centres been removed, the seat markings now allow tables to seat up to five diners. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/CEDRIC CHAN

 

Though mask-wearing has formally been made optional, it appears that the situation remains unchanged especially in older housing estates like those that surround Boon Lay Shopping Centre.

 

citizens-unmask-open-air-elderly
Though citizens are now allowed to unmask at open-air bus stops, most elderly seem to err on the side of caution or convenience whilst waiting for the bus. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/CALEB LAU

 

However, in districts with office workers like Buona Vista, many embrace the option to mask off, even heading outdoors in larger groups.

 

office-districts-busier-people-working-from-home
Office districts appear to be busier as now 75 per cent of people working from home are allowed back to the office. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/CEDRIC CHAN

 

centralised-districts-jurong-east-people-keep-masks-on
Centralised districts like Jurong East still see most people keeping their masks on, be it under sheltered pathways or crossing the street. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/CALEB LAU

 

Even as Singapore commemorates a major milestone in its COVID-19 journey, Mr Lee also urged Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility.

Other changes that have kicked in include the increased capacity limits for larger events from 50 per cent to 75 per cent and the establishment of the vaccinated travel framework and the lifted 10.30pm alcohol ban.

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