What happens when your birthday falls during the heightened alert phase in Singapore? You postpone your party of course. Singapore is doing just that and postponing the National Day Parade (NDP) to August 21 when the heightened alert period is over. The beloved fireworks display and Red Lions parachute event due to happen over the August 7 and 8 weekend will also be cancelled, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Instead of the big birthday bash Singapore is used to, a ceremonial parade will be held at The Float@Marina Bay on August 9. This small-scale parade will be similar to the one held at the Padang last year.
On top of complying with current restrictions, the decision also comes amid an online petition which called for this year's cancellation of the NDP out of concern that it could lead to a further spread of Covid-19. As of today, the petition has garnered over 39,000 signatures. The concern stemmed from pictures circulating on social media of the massive crowd that gathered to watch the rehearsals in the Marina Bay area. Though masks were on, there was little to no social distancing between individuals.
In the meantime, if you need a boost of national pride, here's the annual NDP song to lighten the mood:
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