COVID-19: All Ramadan bazaars by PA, including Geylang bazaar, cancelled

[BabyBlade]

SINGAPORE - The popular and iconic Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar, which the People's Association (PA) organises, will not be returning this year, in the light of the coronavirus situation and the need to practise social distancing in public venues.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, a PA spokesman said on Wednesday (March 18) that it is also cancelling the other Hari Raya festive bazaars it usually organises.

"For the well-being and safety of our residents, the PA will not be organising festive bazaars and trade fairs with effect from March 18, 2020. This includes the annual Hari Raya Bazaars organised at Wisma Geylang Serai as well as at Our Tampines Hub and in Woodlands," said the spokesman.

"As the festive bazaars contribute to the festive mood, we understand that some residents may be disappointed. However, as our bazaars attract large crowds, we have taken the difficult decision not to proceed with these activities."

The month-long festive bazaars held during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan across the island attract large crowds.

The bazaars are known for the wide variety of food sold, festive clothes and household decorations.

In response to the growing number of Covid-19 cases here, and to prevent community spread, the Government on March 13 had announced that all ticketed cultural, sports and entertainment events with 250 participants or more were to be deferred or cancelled.

It also issued an advisory on social distancing in public venues, and to defer or cancel all non-essential events and gatherings.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the PA had opened a new tender for this year's Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar at the Wisma Geylang Serai social and cultural heritage hub.

This tender, which closed on Monday, attracted bids by Adex Group and separately, Corpbiz Events.

PA had opened a tender earlier but this was closed on Jan 17 without the tender being awarded.

The latest tender document uploaded on government tender portal Gebiz included mitigating factors in which stall owners were required to take to curb the spread of the coronavirus, including social distancing and cleaning programmes.

Vendors were also required to check the temperature of their workers every day.

The plan was to reduce the number of stalls at the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar from 800 to 50, and grouped in clusters of four with each stall set 10m apart.

But on Wednesday PA announced the cancellations.

The spokesman said that for trade fairs that are ongoing, the operators have put in additional precautionary measures such as temperature taking and providing hand sanitisers.

"For festive bazaars where tenders have been awarded, the organisers will abide by the cancellation clauses and look after the interest of the tenderers," added the spokesman.

Last year, about two million people attended the bazaar at Wisma Geylang Serai - the highest ever number recorded for such a bazaar.

It surpassed the 1.8 million visitors the year before.

The bazaar encompassed the field behind Wisma Geylang Serai, the Tanjong Katong Complex and Haig Road area and the areas around Joo Chiat Complex and Geylang Serai market.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-all-ramadan-bazaars-by-peoples-association-including-geylang-bazaar-cancelled?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=STFB&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0vS8VP23iVdBhJhRSJMdiqgywLFH_Akqg66Erl_NB4E-guFS17a6_X9Hs#Echobox=1584510095

GOOD DECISION

[1fast1]

The ONLY decision. 

[Blueray]

sob ... 

[inlinesix]

Should be expected 

[Jusnel]

Expected. If they dare to carry on, sure kena backslashed by public

[Kezg1]

...oredi made a Big mistake for carrying out the dinner event at Jurong Safra...now kuai kuai

cancel.

[13177]

No more geylang bazaar! Would be a quiet Ramadan this year. 

[Mustank]

13 minutes ago, 13177 said:

No more geylang bazaar! Would be a quiet Ramadan this year. 

Better quiet but alive 

[Mustank]

Now is see national day

[Jusnel]

3 minutes ago, Mustank said:

Now is see national day

Wah. This one is BIG decision to he made at the highest level. 

[Mustank]

7 minutes ago, Jusnel said:

Wah. This one is BIG decision to he made at the highest level. 

Don’t think can have erection rallies Liao

[Hamburger]

No need to be carrot this year

[Mkl22]

But..... election and polling stations still good to go! Bo Tai Chee one! Hahah hahahah. 

[PSP415]

2 hours ago, Kezg1 said:

...oredi made a Big mistake for carrying out the dinner event at Jurong Safra...now kuai kuai

cancel.

False lah 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/safra-jurong-dinner-cluster-coronavirus-pa-pofma-12550654

Take care 

Safe ride 

Cheers 

[13177]

3 hours ago, Mustank said:

Now is see national day

They have to make decision by mar right? Since rehearsal usually need to start in apr/may. 

[Kezg1]

2 hours ago, PSP415 said:

False lah 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/safra-jurong-dinner-cluster-coronavirus-pa-pofma-12550654

Take care 

Safe ride 

Cheers 

.. haha I also read from FB.. am also wrong

[Vegas]

Qing Ming coming, they should issue directives on this

[inlinesix]

2 minutes ago, Vegas said:

Qing Ming coming, they should issue directives on this

https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/risk-assessment-raised-to-dorscon-orange
If ppl can’t use common sense to follow DORSCON Orange directive,

let’s tio together