[ad_1]
SINGAPORE: Visitors planning to drive to Mandai Columbarium on peak days during the Qing Ming festival period must now make electronic appointments, the National Environment Agency said on Friday (March 5).
Crowds at the three government-run columbariums in Mandai, Yishun and Choa Chu Kang, as well as Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, are expected to peak during Good Friday on April 2 and Qing Ming festival on April 4. April, NEA said.
The peak days identified by NEA are March 20, 21, 27, and 28, as well as April 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18.
To improve traffic flow within the Mandai Columbarium, drivers visiting on those dates will need to show an email or SMS confirming their vehicle registration before entering and parking.
Vehicles arriving outside of your appointment time may be denied entry.
Appointment slots will be released two weeks prior to peak days, starting March 6.
NEA also said visitors who wish to visit on peak days are encouraged to carpool.
Alternatively, they can also park their vehicles near the Khatib MRT station and use the shuttle bus service provided. Each trip will cost S $ 1.
No appointment is necessary for visitors using public transportation and for visits outside of peak days.
Unregistered vehicles can drop off their passengers at the designated point near the pedestrian gate along Mandai Avenue.
READ: A Different Qing Ming: Malaysians Simplify Prayer Rituals Amid Motion Control Order
STAY WITH TWO REPRESENTATIVES PER HOUSEHOLD
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NEA has also encouraged visitors during the Qing Ming period to send only two representatives per household, with no more than eight people in a group, NEA said. Older family members and young children should also avoid visits.
From March 20 to April 18, the three columbarias will be open 24 hours a day to cater for an anticipated increase in visitors, the agency added.
Safe Distance Ambassadors will be deployed for crowd control. To reduce the time visitors spend in the columbaria, NEA will install joss paper collection booths on select days.
Visitors should not deliver red packages to staff working at the stalls and inside the columbaria and cemetery, NEA said.
“In light of the continuing COVID-19 situation and strict safe distancing measures, the NEA has implemented stricter crowd control measures to limit crowds and urges members of the public to exercise socially responsible behavior to protect our well-being and that of our families and relatives, ”the agency said.
“Those who are feeling ill or sick should stay home, see a doctor and avoid visits.”
