On Wednesday (22 July), Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported comments made by Minister Masagos Zulkifli in which he expressed concern that people are starting to become complacent with regards to COVID-19 as large crowds gathered at beaches last weekend.
Mr Masagos said that the Safe Distancing Ambassadors (SDA) and Enforcement Officers (EO) have encountered many groups of more than 10 people at the beaches who were from extended families, or were friends congregating.
“A good number didn’t wear masks even when reminded saying they were eating or drinking,” he added.
The Minister was concerned that “some complacency may be setting in” during a time when everyone must keep their guard up against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Curiously, a few hours later on the same day, CNA also published an article about the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) new campaign, “SingapoRediscovers”, to support local lifestyle and tourism business and encourage local to explore different sides of Singapore.
The campaign aims to encourage locals to take “Singapolidays” by offering experiences, packages, and promotions for locals which highlight hidden gems around the country in order to revitalise the hard-hit tourism sector.
So while Mr Masagos is talking about how people are becoming complacent and beaches are overcrowded, the STB is pouring millions of dollars into a campaign to encourage locals to go out more around the island. The two messages appear contradictory, right?
So should people be going out or not?
