Community clubs to begin distributing N95 masks to eligible S'poreans amid worsening haze situation

Community clubs in Singapore will distribute N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans following the worsening haze situation.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the government has commenced the phased distribution of N95 masks to vulnerable Singaporeans through the People's Association's (PA) Community Clubs.

In addition, haze mask vending machines will also be available at selected public transport hubs, Social Services Offices and PA venues.

N95 masks will be made available progressively at the designated collection points and may not be immediately available at all locations, NEA added.

The vending machines are being progressively deployed across the island from the evening of Oct. 14, and stocks at all collection points will be replenished progressively and regularly, the agency said.

Those eligible include Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors, CHAS Orange and Blue cardholders, Medical Fee Exemption Card holders and ComCare Assistance recipients.

Pregnant women, children aged seven to 16, and people with medical conditions such as asthma may also collect masks at People's Association (PA) venues by presenting their NRICs.

Family members or friends can also collect the masks on their behalf using the eligible person’s NRIC.

Residents can find their nearest collection point at gowhere.gov.sg/hazemask.

Member of Parliament (MP) for East Coast GRC and Mayor of South East District Dinesh Vasu Dash also announced the news in a Facebook post on Oct. 14.

"Dear Residents, in view of today’s haze situation, all Community Clubs, including Bedok and Siglap CCs, will be distributing N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans from the following groups"

Haze shelters

Air-conditioned rooms in CCs and selected Residents’ Committee (RC) and Residents’ Network (RN) Centres will be set up as haze shelters, NEA said.

This is so that members of the public can "seek respite from the haze" at these haze shelters.

Residents may contact their nearest CCs on the operating hours and location of the haze shelters.

If the 24-hr PSI crosses into the hazardous range, the opening hours of the haze shelters in the CCs will be extended to 10pm, NEA shared.

Haze Task Force

The government's Haze Task Force (HTF) had announced last Friday that N95 masks would be distributed to more vulnerable individuals should the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) enter the very unhealthy range.

Mask vending machines will also be made available at selected public transport hubs and social services offices, the government had said then.

NEA said N95 masks are generally not required for short outdoor exposure, such as commuting between home and school or work, or when indoors.

It advised vulnerable persons to consider wearing an N95 mask when the air quality forecast is in the very unhealthy range (PSI > 200) and if they have to be outdoors for several hours.

However, vulnerable persons with difficulty breathing at rest or on exertion should consult their doctor before using an N95 mask. Any person who feels discomfort when using a mask should take a break from using it.

NEA reassured the public that there are sufficient stocks of N95 masks in retailers' warehouses and government stockpiles.