'Small handful' of safe-distancing ambassadors left, almost all have returned to other sectors: MSE

SINGAPORE: Only a "small handful" of safe-distancing ambassadors are left due to contractual arrangements, with almost all having returned to other sectors, said the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) on Tuesday (Sep 20).

Safe-distancing ambassadors were employed by the Government during the COVID-19 pandemic to guide and advise businesses and people to comply with safe management measures.

Since April this year, it has been stepping down the deployment of safe-distancing ambassadors and assisting them to seek alternative employment.

"Some private companies have also deployed their own personnel on their premises to perform similar roles to the Government’s safe-distancing ambassadors," said MSE in response to queries from CNA. 

CNA has contacted the ministry for more information about the remaining safe-distancing ambassadors.

MSE said that the Government will continue to deploy enforcement officers to conduct checks and investigations on violations of safe management measures.

"Only enforcement officers, who are public officers currently employed by government agencies, police officers and auxiliary police officers, have the authority to conduct enforcement against safe management measures violations," said MSE.

People in Singapore are no longer required to wear a mask except on public transport and in healthcare facilities. MSE said that vaccination differentiated safe management measures continue to apply.

It added that while there have been a few instances of breaches of vaccination differentiated measures and wearing of masks, the majority of the public have adhered to the requirements.

Vaccination differentiated measures currently apply to events with more than 500 participants at any one time, food and beverage outlets, bars and karaoke establishments. They also apply to nightlife establishments where dancing is one of the intended activities.

"Our safe management measures have served us well and helped keep us safe, and we thank Singaporeans for playing their part in adhering to the safe management measures over the past two years," said MSE. 

"We encourage everyone to continue exercising personal and social responsibility."