Update (30 Apr, 6.47pm): We’ve updated the article with FairPrice’s official statement on the matter. The part-time staff & individual who filmed the incident have also been relieved of their duties.
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Just today (30 Apr), it was announced that all NTUC FairPrice shoppers must scan their NRIC at the entrance, or scan a QR code to enter and shop for groceries. This is precautionary measure for Covid-19, and their information will be used for contact tracing.
Unfortunately, some haven’t realised how serious things are, with a viral video depicting a young man pranking unassuming customers going viral on Thursday (30 Apr).
A video circulating on social media showed a youth using his mobile phone to conduct ‘temperature checks’ on customers at a local NTUC FairPrice outlet as they entered the store.
The original video has since been removed, but you can view a re-upload here.
The video begins with a young man standing at the entrance of an NTUC FairPrice outlet. As the clip unfolds, he uses his mobile phone to perform ‘health checks’ on customers before they entered the outlet.
Next, the individual turns on his mobile phone’s flashlight function and pretends to ‘scan’ the customers before letting them enter.
The caption on the Insta-video initially uploaded read “chop for NTUC entry”.
The youth did not appear to be wearing his face mask properly either, as the video showed the mask dangling on his ear by a single strap.
This particularly displeased netizens, who felt that it was unhygienic and unsafe given our current circumstances.
The youth went so far as to ask a customer to put her hands up, pretending that it was part of the check to enter the supermarket.
While he ‘scanned’ another customer, he burst out laughing as well.
The youth’s actions sparked displeasure among netizens, who called it unacceptable and inappropriate given the gravity of the current situation.
However, some were of the opinion that the youth could have just been trying to lighten the tense situation.
Still, this clearly wasn’t appropriate, as he didn’t comply with safety measures like keeping his mask on, or observing safe distancing.
Others reminded us that screenings and checks needed to be taken seriously.
FairPrice has reached out to us to confirm that the incident occurred on Wednesday (29 Apr), at Orchard Grand Court’s outlet.
The part-time staff and the person filming the video have been “relieved” of their duties, as FairPrice takes a “serious view of the matter”.
A police report has been filed as the incident concerns “public safety” and the pair’s actions have caused “considerable public alarm and concern”.
Finally, FairPrice takes a firm stance against those who flout safety guidelines and will continue to prioritise every customer’s safety and well-being.
Although his intentions probably weren’t malicious, this youth failed to respect the physical boundaries that keep us safe.
On top of that, he didn’t seem to respect the customers and recorded videos of them unknowingly.
There are definitely better – and safer – ways than practical jokes to lift others’ spirits during the ‘Circuit Breaker’.
We think the youth could’ve used a few pointers from this other young lady who’s been helping others in her community get through this tough time.
The ‘Circuit Breaker’ has definitely taken an emotional toll on most of us.
It’s obvious that there’s an air of caution towards others whenever we head out, and everyone’s on edge about safe distancing and mask wearing.
That said, it’s important that we respect each other while adhering to safety measures.
Temperature screenings and health checks are definitely no laughing matter, and we should continue to take them seriously, even after the ‘Circuit Breaker’ ends.
Image adapted from Facebook.
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