Study on Safety Measures Taken by Other Countries upon Reopening of Parks and Nature Areas

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has studied the safety measures taken by other countries as they reopen their parks and nature areas; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider reopening parks with safe distancing measures in place to allow Singaporeans and families to spend more time with nature.

Our parks and nature areas have remained open for the public to exercise throughout the circuit breaker period, with safe distancing measures in place. Besides deploying NParks officers as safe distancing ambassadors and enforcement officers on the ground, we also use mobile applications, robots, and drones to conduct crowd monitoring and ensure safe distancing. These allow NParks to track visitorship in real time and respond promptly to crowding. Visitors can also access real-time updates on visitorship online, so that they can exercise at uncrowded parks near their homes.

Some facilities, such as car parks, food and beverage outlets, playgrounds, fitness corners, fishing areas, and certain beaches have been closed to allow for safe distancing and to prevent gathering in groups. We plan to gradually re-open these facilities in Phase 2 of the post-circuit breaker period with the necessary precautions. NParks will continue to study the measures taken by other countries as we reopen these facilities, and consider adopting additional safe management measures where relevant.