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SINGAPORE – Closing doors in restaurants to hinder inspections and verbal abuse by rebels are some of the challenges faced by safe distancing ambassadors employed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on a daily basis.
Staff at some companies in the Chinatown district, for example, have displayed “wandering or unpleasant behavior” towards their ambassadors, the agency told The Straits Times.
In an April incident, a kitchen staff member at a restaurant was found not to be wearing a mask during a first check-in and again two hours later, after which an employee was fined by a compliance officer.
“After this incident, the restaurant closed its doors and windows, and requested that delivery men call them to pick them up,” giving staff time to put on their masks before opening their doors for checks, STB said.
In another restaurant, staff were frequently seen wearing inappropriate masks, and lifted them only when ambassadors entered the premises.
The restaurant also closed its doors and windows for a period, but both restaurants have become more cooperative after a regular commitment, the tourism board said.
However, some companies in the area continue to present challenges, STB said, noting that staff who are repeatedly seen not to wear masks often make excuses that they are eating or drinking.
“Our ambassadors have been working diligently and patiently with this group, doing everything possible to encourage them to comply with the regulations.”
Tour guides represent more than half of the 125 safe distancing ambassadors deployed by the STB to cover selected venues, as well as integrated hotels, attractions, and resorts.
When ST accompanied two of them on their Chinatown patrol on Thursday (May 14), most companies followed the rules, though some employees donned their masks only when they saw the ambassadors, dressed in red T-shirts.
Some, who had masks hanging from one ear, pointed to a nearby drink or food bowl when approached, while others put on the mask.
Business was swift in a series of recently reopened traditional Chinese medicine wards and popular restaurants, but all had 1 million distance markers and other systems to prevent customer and dealer grouping.
Recent reports of abuse towards safe distancing ambassadors have not rocked Hoo Mun Cheong and Yoon Sook Young, who patrol the streets of Chinatown three to four days a week. While they have encountered difficult employees and suffered verbal abuse, they say their experience as tour guides has made them well-equipped for the job.
“We don’t run into good tourists every day,” Hoo, 59, joked.
“If we face abusive or temperamental people, we must keep an additional safe distance,” he added.
Ms. Yoon said that while most companies are cooperatives, some employ tactics like closing the door to keep them away.
It takes courage to move forward in these cases, said Ms. Yoon, 59, a tourist guide in her 20s.
Referring to the staff at such firms, he said, “Maybe they feel like they’re being teased or a little stressed, so we understand that very well.”
Ms. Yoon takes a patient approach in trying to educate errant companies and individuals, even when yelled at.
“Most of them don’t understand the situation, and it’s my job to make them understand. As a tour guide we deal with a lot of people, so we are experienced with this.”
She signed up as a safe distance ambassador last month, amid the tourist drought.
“Someone has to do it. And if I stay home with nothing to do, it’s boring.”
While they do not have the power to fine individuals, safe distancing ambassadors can refer erroneous cases to law enforcement officials for follow-up.
The STB said there were more than 130 such cases between May 1 and May 11.
Ms. Yoon said, “This job is about changing habits … We just educate people until they understand it.”
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