9 Aug has already passed, but we’re still looking forward to this year’s National Day Parade (NDP).
Yes, we thought 2020 was weird, but 2021 appears to be even weirder.
For those who don’t know, this year’s NDP was postponed to 21 Aug so it could take place after Singapore exited Phase 2 (Heightened Annoyance).
With our community cases slowly dwindling, the parade is expected to go ahead as planned on Saturday.
So, what can we expect this time? Here’s everything you need to know about NDP 2021.
Parade Will Return to the Float With Fewer Spectators
After two years, the NDP will finally return to the floating platform at Marina Bay.
When it was first announced, the authorities said it would take place in a centralised format, as opposed to last year’s parade.
To curb the spread of COVID-19, there’ll also be fewer participants and spectators.
Tickets Will Be Given to Frontliners & Essential Workers
Unsurprisingly, tickets will not be open for balloting this year, but will instead be given to frontliners and essential workers, in recognition of their efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
So, this year, healthcare workers, teachers, transport workers, hawkers, and those in the cleaning industry, to name a few, will be invited to attend the parade.
All participants and spectators must be fully vaccinated, however, so if they don’t get jabbed, they can’t go.
Performers must also undergo antigen rapid testing before every rehearsal, while the spectators must undergo pre-event testing.
Yes, the authorities are taking every precaution.
It Will Feature the First-Ever Live-Virtual Performance at an NDP
Everything has gone virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, including parties, gatherings, and even concerts.
After all, if it allows us to take part in the same event without the threat of transmission, why wouldn’t we do it?
This is why NDP 2021 will feature the first-ever live-virtual performance, so viewers at home can enjoy the celebrations too.
Special technology will be used when streaming the live-virtual performance, where “civilian entities” can join the parade virtually and participate as well, the NDP 2021 Executive Committee (EXCO) said.
NDP Fun Packs Will Only Be Given Out to Spectators
While we love seeing fireworks and aircraft shooting through the sky, one of the things we look forward to most during NDP is the fun packs.
Unfortunately, this year’s goodies will be reserved for spectators only.
The fun pack will also have fewer items, including a reusable bottle, hand sanitisers, and a mini handheld Singapore flag.
Declared Special Event With Enhanced Security
Due to the need to keep crowds at bay, the police have declared this year’s NDP a special event with enhanced security.
The declaration, invoked under the Public Order Act, means that certain areas around the Float have been designated as “special event areas”, where strict security will be put in place.
Certain items within the area will be prohibited, including explosives, loudhailers, and firearms.
The police said it will conduct checks on members of the public for such items in these special security areas.
In fact, anyone entering an enhanced security zone may be screened by officers. They have the power to refuse entry to anyone, as well as remove them from a certain area if required.
Do note that drones and other unmanned aircraft are prohibited as well, so those hoping to film the event from the skies should just stay at home instead.
Those caught with any prohibited item in these enhanced security areas could be imprisoned for up to 12 months, fined up to $20,000, or both.
Security restrictions will start from midnight until 11.59pm on 21 Aug.
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Featured Image: Adwo / Shutterstock.com
