SINGAPORE – Queues continued at Singapore Pools outlets across the island on Wednesday (Feb 3) as punters lined up to buy tickets in hopes of winning the jackpot prize of $5 million.
Tickets for the annual Toto Reunion Draw started on Monday across all outlets, drawing lines of punters for a shot at the draw which will be held at 9.30pm on Friday. Outlets have also extended their operating hours to 9pm till Friday.
To ensure compliance with the Covid-19 safe management measures, Singapore Pools has deployed additional staff during this period, said a spokesman.
“The health and safety of our customers, employees and the public remain our top priority,” she said.
The Straits Times visited several Singapore Pools outlets located at Bendemeer, Bishan, Hougang, Toa Payoh and Yishun on Tuesday and Wednesday, and saw the queues were significantly longer on Wednesday, especially during lunchtime. There were generally about 30 to 35 punters in the queues and most of them were middle-aged or older.
The team found that there were ground staff managing the queues at some outlets and none at others, and many punters did not use the SafeEntry check-in when entering the premises. However, ST understands that in retail stores below 930 sqm, patrons are not required to log in their entry.
By and large, the punters observed safe distancing and stood behind floor markers, and were able to place their bets within five to 15 minutes.
Several interviewed said they were not too worried about their safety and felt the measures in place were adequate enough.
A 29-year-old punter who wished to be known as Jun, told ST at the Yishun Avenue 5 outlet: “Generally Singapore is quite safe, I feel okay, I don’t really feel afraid or anything, it’s just normal.”
Over at the Lorong 1 Toa Payoh outlet, Mr Patrick Loh, 37, said that as the safe distancing measures have been in place for many weeks, he is used to them.
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MCI (P) 031/10/2021, MCI (P) 032/10/2021. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2021 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.