MOE to consider closing schools & postponing exams if next-day PSI forecast exceeds 300: Desmond Lee

As concerns about haze in Singapore rise, the Ministry of Education (MOE) would consider closing schools and postponing national exams if the next day’s forecast enters the hazardous range, which is a 24-hour PSI above 300.

For now, Minister for Education Desmond Lee said lessons and national exams will continue in enclosed venues with air purifiers.

Schools are also ready to step up measures if required.

For students who are unwell and unable to sit for their exams, they may apply for Special Consideration through their schools.

In his Facebook post on Oct. 10, Lee shared that any decision to close schools will be announced around 8pm the day before through schools and the official channels.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely each day and review whether schools should stay open or be closed the next day."

"I know many parents are concerned about the haze, especially those with children who have medical conditions or are sitting for national examinations. I assure you that the health and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority," Lee said.

Under MOE's haze management measures, when the 24-hour PSI forecast is in the unhealthy range (101-200), schools are to avoid strenuous outdoor physical activities that require a lot of energy or effort and continuous exposure for several hours.

All classrooms are to have air purifiers, and students who are unwell or have pre-existing lung or heart conditions will be exempted from all outdoor physical activities.

As of 6pm on Oct. 10, the 24-hour PSI reading sits in the unhealthy range, with the central area at 168.

Haze Task Force convened

With the possibility of haze conditions worsening in the upcoming days, the Singaporean government's Haze Task Force (HTF) has convened and stands ready to roll out the next tier of action plans and advisories to protect the health and well-being of the public.

The HTF is led by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and comprises 28 government agencies.

The HTF outlined the measures it was preparing to take to ensure public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic lung and heart diseases.

NEA said that the 24-hour PSI may exceed 200 and enter the very unhealthy range as the haze situation has deteriorated over the past week due to an increase in hotspots in southern and central Sumatra, as well as unfavourable wind conditions.

Should the PSI enter the very unhealthy range, the People's Association (PA) grassroots organisations will start distributing N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans, such as those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the haze or may have limited means of obtaining N95 masks.

Eligible Singaporeans can collect N95 masks or ask family members or friends to collect masks on their behalf using the eligible person’s NRIC at vending machines at selected public transport hubs, Social Service Offices and PA venues.

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