After the news regarding the closure of Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre for three days due to the detection of COVID-19 cases was announced, many people were afraid that they would not be able to get their usual supply of fruits and vegetables.
After all, the market did contribute 30% of Singapore’s fruit imports, and 50% of vegetable imports, as mentioned by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
Thankfully, the SFA is working closely with various stakeholders like affected merchants, and fruit and vegetable associations, as well as importers, to ensure that the impact of the disruption to the public is minimal.
Some of the bigger supermarkets in Singapore have also made efforts to increase their supply of fruits and vegetables.
One of the supermarkets is NTUC FairPrice.
NTUC FairPrice Increases Supply of Fruits & Veg But Urge Customers Not to Hoard Them
On Sunday, NTUC FairPrice reassured everyone in a Facebook post that “sufficient stock” is “available for the community” as they have increased their stock of fruits and vegetables for all of their stores in Singapore. This is all due to their “robust and diverse supply lines” that remain intact despite the closure of the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre.
But of course, to ensure that everyone has access to an abundant supply, NTUC FairPrice also reminded everyone to only buy what they need, and not buy a large amount just to hoard the supplies.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu also wrote in a Facebook post to remind everyone of this.
She said, “Please buy only what you need so that there is ample supply for everyone.”
Reopening of Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre
If you still prefer getting your fruits and vegetables from the market, don’t worry. The Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre will resume operations on Thursday at 3pm. And since markets are usually closed on Mondays, the disruption to your supply will only be for Tuesday and Wednesday.
For those worried about the detection of COVID-19 cases in the area, the SFA will be ramping up testing for all workers there after the centre reopens. Previously, those who worked at the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre had to be tested every 14 days. However, the SFA will be changing their regime and ensuring that workers are tested every seven days instead.
Is it even going to be safe to visit the centre after it reopens?
All merchants and workers will have to undergo a COVID-19 test before they are allowed back at the centre once it reopens. The SFA will also be imposing stricter Safe Management Measures to curb the spread of the virus.
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Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com
