It was recently announced that 5.2 million free masks will be distributed to 1.37 million households in Singapore.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be working with People’s Association (PA) to distribute surgical masks to every family.

Masks made available from today onwards

From today onwards, masks will be made available progressively at 89 Community Centres (CCs) and 654 Residents’ Committee Centres (RCs).

Collection of masks for both public and private estates will start progressively at the RCs and CCs from 2pm on Saturday (Feb. 1) and is expected to be completed by Feb. 9, 2020.

From Feb. 2 to Feb. 9, the collection can be done from 10am to 9pm.

Where to collect?

To find out which CC or RC you should be collecting your masks from, a nifty website called "Maskgowhere" provides details on where to go.

All you need to do is to input your postal code.

And details of the collection will be provided:

Mothership understands that the Singapore government worked with other agencies through the night to develop this website within a day.

However, residents are also advised to check community notice boards, digital displays, or relevant social media to keep updated on the collection details.

Posters like these are also being displayed at certain void decks with specific information on the date, time, and location:

And digital screens:

How to collect masks

Residents need to bring along NRIC for verification. Their addresses will also be marked, and will be synced with other collection centres to prevent multiple queueing.

Four pieces of masks will be sealed in one bag.

Straits Times reported that the People's Association Deputy Chairman Chan Chun Sing said that collection times will be staggered to prevent long queues from forming.

Each transaction is also expected to be completed within minutes even at peak hour, so there is "no need to rush", Chan added.

Singaporeans can also call 1800-333-9999 if they have questions about the mask collection. The hotline will be manned between 2pm and 10pm today, and 9am to 9pm from Feb. 2 to Feb. 9.

Top photo via maskgowhere & Tsiuwen Yeo.