Parking fines which were received by a 66-year-old Singaporean woman who neither owned nor drove a car were sent erroneously, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) said in response to Mothership's queries.

Another motorist had mistakenly entered her old vehicle registration number to pay for his motorcycle parking fees, resulting in under-declared fees and the notices being sent, HDB explained.

The husband of the woman, surnamed Wang, said that they have received at least 19 fines since September last year.

The fines totalled S$1,320.

While Wang had last driven a car bearing the license plate number "4155" in 2024, the fines were for a car with the license plate "7965Y".

Why the parking offence notices were issued

In its response, HDB said that it is aware of the case.

Explaining the discrepancy, HDB said that its checks found that the resident was the last registered owner of the vehicle, which was deregistered in October 2000.

However, starting from September 2025, the vehicle's registration number was used to pay motorcycle charges instead of car parking charges, thus resulting in under-declared parking charges.

Another motorist had keyed in the resident's former vehicle registration number instead of his own motorcycle registration number, according to HDB.

"As the resident was the last registered owner of the vehicle, parking offence notices were automatically issued to her," HDB explained.

Upon discovering the discrepancy, HDB said it immediately stopped issuing new parking offence notices to the resident.

However, some of the reminders for earlier offence notices continued to be automatically sent to her.

"We have since cancelled all outstanding notices of this vehicle registration number that may be sent to the resident, and informed her that she may disregard the notices and reminders received," HDB said.

"We have also apologised to the resident," HDB added.

'Honest mistake' by other motorist

HDB said it has since reached out to the motorist and assisted to correct the error.

"We have also ascertained that it was an honest mistake and he paid for his usual parking sessions based on motorcycle parking rates," HDB clarified.

An aesthetic doctor in Singapore has been temporarily prohibited from administering dermal fillers after a patient complained that he had administered three times the recommended dosage during a treatment. The doctor disputes the allegations and has appealed.

The overdosage resulted in the patient experiencing chronic facial pain for at least 19 months, which eventually required a nerve surgery to alleviate.

The patient also lost her job as she dealt with the medical issues.

Details of the case and the temporary restrictions on the aesthetic doctor were laid out in a grounds of decision published on Oct. 7 by an Interim Orders Committee (IOC).

What happened

On Apr. 1, 2023, the patient visited the doctor, Wong Kai Jie Isaac, at his clinic, The Artisan Clinic.

This was her first visit.

Wong is listed on the clinic's website as its founder.

During the visit, Wong recommended a procedure involving the injection of dermal fillers.

The patient consented, and Wong proceeded.

The label on the packaging stated that the maximum annual dosage is 2ml, according to the grounds of decision.

The patient said Wong administered a total dosage of 7ml in one sitting.

Side effects and treatment

Following this, the patient reported to Wong that she suffered pain on the left side of her face.

Wong diagnosed a vascular occlusion, and proceeded to inject hyaluronidase into the patient's face multiple times in an attempt to reduce the effects caused by the dermal fillers.

Vascular occlusion refers to a blood vessel blockage.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme to dissolve hyaluronic acid.

From Apr. 2, 2023, to Oct. 8, 2024, the patient made repeated visits to see Wong regarding the side effects or complications as a result of the dermal fillers injection.

These side effects include persistent left facial pain, blocked blood vessels and nerve pain.

From Apr. 2 to Jun. 21, 2023, Wong continued to inject hyaluronidase into the patient's face at multiple consultations.

On Jun. 22, 2023, Wong brought in another doctor to help check for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, a jaw condition.

After this consultation, the doctor messaged Wong and informed him that he was not sure if continued injection of hyaluronidase would be helpful.

Following this and until May 3, 2024, Wong continued with injections of hyaluronidase and steroids, among others.

19 months of pain

The patient ultimately experienced chronic facial pain lasting at least 19 months, according to the grounds of decision.

The pain resulted in high blood pressure and weight loss of over 20kg arising from changes in appetite.

The patient also lost her job as she dealt with the medical issues and suffered a negative impact on her mental health.

During the course of the medical episode, the patient sought medical attention from other doctors and underwent a nerve surgery to alleviate the pain in the left side of her face.

She filed a complaint against Wong with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) on Nov. 4, 2024.

SMC's position

According to the grounds of decision, the SMC disclosed five other complaints against Wong that similarly allege over-dosing. Wong’s counsel said none of them involved vascular occlusion and that no disciplinary finding has been made on any of them.

The SMC recommended that an interim order be issued to make Wong's continued registration as a medical practitioner conditional for a period of 18 months, pending the conclusion of investigations.

The conditions include not offering or administering dermal fillers.

SMC posited that such an interim order is necessary to protect the public, given that Wong had failed to provide the "requisite standard of care" when administering the dermal fillers or in managing the side effects or complications.

It argued that Wong ought to have known that the maximum annual dosage was clearly stated on the packaging.

SMC pointed out that Wong's treatment of the side effects using hyaluronidase was inappropriate, given that the dermal filler used was a non-hyaluronic acid filler.

Wong's case

Arguing against such an order, Wong said that no prima facie case had been made out against him and that there was no risk to the public if he practised without conditions.

Wong pointed out that the 2ml maximum dosage label was printed by the dermal filler's manufacturer to comply with local regulatory requirements.

In fact, Wong claimed the manufacturer does not specify a maximum dosage in many countries where the dermal filler is distributed.

The manufacturer had also indicated that a maximum dosage of 12ml per session is safe.

On this, SMC noted that the change in maximum dosage only occurred in March 2026.

Hence, whether 7ml was clinically safe was a separate question to whether Wong had knowingly exceeded "clearly stated regulatory limit".

Wong also contested the SMC's point that his treatment of the side effects was inappropriate.

Wong argued that the hyaluronidase injections were to treat the blood vessel blockage rather than dissolve the injected dermal fillers.

Furthermore, Wong highlighted that he has administered a total of 19,667 dermal fillers from 2018 to 2026.

Out of these injections, he said this was the only occurrence of a blocked blood vessel.

Wong also submitted that he had met the standard of care and informed his patients of the potential risks, side effects and complications before treatment.

While SMC pointed out that Wong was not proactive in referring the patient to a specialist to treat the side effects, Wong countered that he immediately arranged another doctor for the patient for hyperbaric oxygen therapy on Apr. 1, 2023.

Conditions imposed on Wong's practice

After considering the facts and circumstances submitted by both the SMC and Wong, the IOC sided with the SMC's recommendations and conditions were imposed on Wong's practice.

The conditions will be in place for a period of 18 months or until the conclusion of the proceedings against him, whichever is sooner.

Apart from not offering or administering dermal fillers, Wong must also not treat any patient in relation to any side effects or complications arising from the administration of dermal fillers.

He shall only administer products within the dosage or indications permitted by the Health Sciences Authority or in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

He must also inform SMC of all the places where he practises or intends to practise.

He must also inform any organisation or person employing him for medical work about the conditions imposed on his medical registration.

Wong has submitted an appeal to the high court to revoke the interim orders.

His appeal is scheduled to be heard on Oct. 28.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong collected N95 masks from Teck Ghee Community Club (CC) on Oct. 14 amid Singapore’s worsening haze situation.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on Oct. 14 that community clubs across Singapore would distribute N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans in response to the deteriorating haze conditions.

In an Instagram post, SM Lee shared a photo of himself collecting a set of masks at the Teck Ghee community club. He also reminded Singaporeans to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

“With the haze affecting Singapore, do take care of yourself and your loved ones,” he wrote.

SM Lee also urged residents to take precautions, including wearing a mask when necessary, staying indoors when haze conditions worsen, and keeping up with the latest updates through official sources and news channels.

“Do stay safe and well,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lee Hsien Loong (@leehsienloong)

N95 masks collection

Eligible recipients for the masks 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.

SM Lee added in his post that Teck Ghee residents can also collect masks at Teck Ghee CC and Ang Mo Kio CC from 10am to 6pm from Oct. 15 onwards.

Other collection points, including vending machines, are also available, he shared.

SM Lee also said that CCs and selected Residents’ Network (RN) Centres will be open from 10am to 6pm for residents to seek respite from the haze.

The owner of Simba, a 1½-year-old male goldendoodle, said he planned to euthanise the dog after being unable to find someone willing to adopt it, attributing the difficulty in rehoming it to its behaviour.

A reader alerted Mothership to Simba’s situation after another member of a group chat called “furball siblings” shared an appeal to find it a home.

Screenshots seen by Mothership show the owner discussing plans to euthanise it in a separate Bukit Batok residents’ group chat.

Responding to Mothership’s queries, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said its inspectors were told by the owner and a rescuer that Simba is now in foster care and will undergo training before being rehomed.

According to SPCA, the rescuer caring for Simba said its owner had cited euthanasia out of desperation.

Family allegedly pressed for euthanasia

In the residents’ group chat, Simba’s owner said the dog would need to be euthanised because “nobody want him”, adding that his family was pressing for this to happen.

Another participant asked when he intended to do so, explaining that they were reaching out to people who might be able to give Simba a home. The owner replied that he was planning to euthanise it “after 7 days”.

SPCA said the rescuer subsequently told its inspectors that the owner had limited experience with dogs and had cared for Simba for only a week.

Owner claims shelters would not take Simba in

When another participant in the residents’ group chat suggested approaching SPCA, Simba’s owner claimed that shelters did not want to take it in. He later attributed the difficulty in finding someone to take the dog to its behaviour.

Asked by Mothership about Simba’s behaviour and the shelters approached, the owner declined to provide further details. He did not identify which shelters had been contacted or explain the behavioural issues involved.

SPCA’s response did not establish which shelters had been approached or whether they had declined to accept Simba.

Simba reportedly rehomed

Speaking to Mothership, Simba’s owner said he was the dog’s third owner and had originally found it through Facebook adoption groups.

He said Simba had been picked up by a new caregiver on Sunday (Oct. 4) at 7pm, but declined to explain how the caregiver had been found.

The reader also shared a screenshot of an update in “furball siblings” by the same member who had circulated the appeal. The member said Simba had been adopted by “someone from a shelter”, alongside a photo appearing to show the dog being walked on a leash by a woman.

Mothership initially attempted to verify the reported adoption but was unable to independently confirm it.

SPCA subsequently clarified that Simba was handed over to a rescuer for fostering and subsequent rehoming. Its inspectors contacted the owner after being alerted to the chat messages, then spoke to the rescuer, who said Simba was settling into its foster home and would undergo training before being rehomed.

SPCA cautions against casually mentioning euthanasia

While SPCA said it sympathised with the owner’s situation, it cautioned against casually presenting euthanasia as a potential solution.

“Euthanasia is not the answer to a healthy but simply unwanted pet,” it said.

Speaking generally, SPCA said such mentions can prompt people to quickly offer to take over a pet’s care, creating false urgency and adding pressure to rescuers already handling genuine emergencies.

“For every healthy animal they accept, they have one less space for an animal whose life hangs in the balance,” it added.

SPCA advised owners to explore responsible rehoming options, including its rehoming noticeboard, or engage a professional trainer who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods where behavioural challenges are the main concern.

It also urged prospective owners to consider the lifelong commitment carefully and plan for behavioural training from the outset, even before problems arise.

Singapore’s veterinary guidelines on euthanasia

According to the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS), veterinarians must comply with the Code of Ethics for Veterinarians as part of their licensing conditions.

The code provides for euthanasia to prevent unnecessary suffering, but requires appropriate treatment options to be considered first. It also allows veterinarians to refuse a request for euthanasia if they do not deem it necessary. Decisions about treatment or animal care should be guided by the animal’s welfare, the owner’s commitment to treatment and public safety.

Separately, dog training and behaviour rehabilitation guidelines supported by AVS recommend professional assessment of aggression issues, early behavioural intervention and veterinary advice to rule out health-related causes.

A Singaporean man bumped into Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim while shopping for a football jersey at Queensway Shopping Centre on Monday afternoon Oct. 12.

To mark the occasion, Fuad Odem took a photo with the son of Malaysia’s king, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

Fuad told Mothership he was shocked when Tunku Ismail entered the sports apparel shop at around 2:35pm.

The Singaporean was already inside browsing for a Democratic Republic of the Congo jersey when royalty suddenly appeared.

He saw about six bodyguards with Tunku Ismail.

"I said, 'Can I take a photo with you?'," Fuad recalled.

Tunku Ismail said, "Of course," according to Fuad.

"It's the best crazy day for me right before my birthday on Oct. 13, then suddenly bump into him," he added.

The Singaporean man turned 24 the day after the chance meeting.

Tunku Ismail was in town for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix.

"Parenthood is extremely beautiful", "beautiful in the sense that it comes with a combination of heartache, sometimes tears, sometimes joy, indescribable joy", said Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau.

'Parenthood is extremely beautiful'

"You can't put it in words, and I think it makes for such a great life adventure," she said, noting that it is an adventure that is "so worth going through".

This includes all the ups and downs included, adding that it makes the "90 or hopefully 100 years by the time we age" so colourful.

"And those of you who have the chance or who are thinking about embarking on that colourful journey, go forth and experience it," she said.

Lau, who is also Senior Minister of State for Digital Development, had a dialogue with participants on the second day of the Young Singaporeans Conference (YSC) 2026 on Oct. 14.

Acknowledging that participants may have doubts about themselves and having children, she was responding to a participant who shared that she was the youngest of five siblings in her family, but her parents only had one grandchild.

The participant had asked Lau how she managed to "do it all" and who was her inspiration.

Lau responded that it is her children, as well as her immediate family including her parents and husband.

Right to disconnect

Another participant later raised a question about the right to disconnect.

"What I was thinking is maybe there is a kind of a middle ground because the government is the largest employer and has the power to set norms and also influence via competition," he said.

The participant asked if this was something that the government thought about as well, "whether the civil service or the public service being more...focused on work life balance would influence the wider labour market".

Employees in public service might have noticed some bosses nowadays having a line in their email stating the employee has a right to disconnect, Lau said in response.

She added that "what we're careful about" is also not to "dictate working hours for everyone".

As a mother of young children, she said she is not able to work during certain hours.

While some people might be able to work all the way until 7pm before going home and doing other things, Lau is not able to as she tries to pick her children up from school.

She then logs off from work for awhile before working again at a later time.

Being a good role model starts from the top

Lau also pointed out that being a good role model starts from the top.

"If we say you have a right to disconnect, then we should not be asking people to respond to us on Saturdays and Sundays. All of that we will have to do," she said.

Lau noted, however, that it is "not always good to lock it all in and be too prescriptive, because many people can live quite different lifestyles and may actually need to make up or do their work at [a] later time".

Ample chances to meet in same ministry

Some 80 participants also burst out laughing at the same participant's question on why Singapore government workers are not paired with colleagues from the same agency.

The participant, a public officer, was referring to the new dating pilot, FirstDate, by the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) which he signed up for.

To that, Lau responded that they had ample chances to meet within the same ministry.

"Sometimes we're just a bit more careful because there can be supervisor and staff relationship... and there could be very similar age band, just a couple of years older," she added.

Find what brings the most joy

Addressing the participants, Lau concluded by encouraging them to find community spaces to date, think about housing and hopefully disconnect from work when they can.

For those thinking about having children, Lau wished for them to have communities and chat groups to connect with.

"And I hope all of you find what brings you [the] most joy in all of your lives."

If "Singapore means something to us", there must be a next generation to inherit what past generations have worked so hard to build, said Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau.

Total Fertility Rate

She was delivering her opening remarks on Oct. 14 at the second day of the Institute of Policy Studies' (IPS) Young Singaporeans Conference (YSC) 2026: Futuremakers.

It focused on Singapore's declining total fertility rate (TFR), and set out to understand the perspectives of young Singaporeans on having children.

YSC 2026 also aimed to provide an opportunity to collectively address challenges possibly contributing to the nation's low TFR.

Deeply personal topic

Lau, who is also Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, acknowledged that it is a deeply personal topic.

She said: "For some of us, I would say, particularly the women, we feel very deeply about the issue of family and parenting or childbirth...."

This is because "we really feel that if Singapore means something to us, then there must be a next generation of Singaporeans who inherit the country that we spend so much effort [on]".

Next generation

In that regard, Lau noted that if people did not have children anymore, no one should care about topics such as housing, the future, or the environment because there would be no Singapore.

"There's no point in all of this if we didn't have a next generation or grandchildren that come after us, we might as well just say — have a good life while we can, and then the future will figure itself out in whatever way people choose to do so," she said.

Lau added that there would then be no purpose and meaning of anyone being in public service because there would be no Singapore and no future, which she said was what drives many who are in government now.

"That's why we work on policies like marriage and parenthood," she said, "that's why we care about family policy because it shapes the society that we are going to be in".

TFR new low

An earlier report mentioned that Singapore's TFR had dropped to a new low of 0.87 in 2025.

The issue quickly became a matter of priority to the government. In April this year, a new workgroup was launched in a bid to tackle the problem.

Workgroup chairperson Indranee Rajah called for a marriage and parenthood reset and said the crisis requires "all of society" to play a part, not just the government alone.

The workgroup, which was first announced during the budget debate in February, will release its findings by early 2027.

It will examine factors including financial costs, work-life support, caregiving, housing, healthcare, preschool and education, as well as work with stakeholders to promote relevant societal norms and workplace practices.

The workgroup, which Lau is a part of, will focus on two broad categories: What the government can do, and what society as a whole can do.

This means reviewing policies as well as how individuals can contribute to the issue.

An X user recently complained about the carpeted flooring at Changi Airport on Oct. 9, drawing a wave of reactions from Singaporeans.

The user, Florence Vuong from the United Arab Emirates, questioned who had decided to install carpeting at the airport.

now which stupid fuck decided to put down CARPET at the Singapore airport

— Flo 👹 (@neflorious) October 9, 2026

In another post that day, she called Changi “the most incompetent airport I’ve ever witnessed” and claimed it "make[s] life difficult for you every step of the way”.

Officially crowning Singapore the most incompetent airport I’ve ever witnessed.

Make sure you leave early when flying out cuz they’ll make life difficult for you every step of the way :)

— Flo 👹 (@neflorious) October 9, 2026

Netizens respond

Several users came to the airport's defence, suggesting that it reduced noise from footsteps and luggage wheels.

One said they had initially disliked it too, but later realised it made the airport “much quieter”.

Another said the carpet made it more comfortable to nap near a boarding gate while waiting for a 1am flight.

Other users took offence and described the carpet as a “signature” of Changi Airport.

Complaints about gate security

In a longer follow-up post, Vuong elaborated on her initial complaint about her experience at the airport, stating that it concerned security screening at the boarding gates.

She claimed that three or four flights were boarding around the same time in the same gate area, with "hundreds" of passengers and only two security lanes open.

She also said a flight had been moved there from elsewhere in the airport.

According to her, staff redirected some passengers towards a third security lane, then stopped the process midway and sent them back to the end of the existing queue.

As flights reached their final calls, she said staff allegedly shouted for passengers whose flights were departing to move to the front.

She said this led to passengers squeezing past others who were already at the checkpoint with their baggage open.

Alright since this is getting a lot more attention than I care for, I'll bite. Here are the reasons I had a fucked up experience at the Changi airport:

Main thing was that they put the security at the gate, but also scheduled multiple planes that leave at the same time at the same gates + moved a flight from across the airport.

There were 3/4 flights boarding at the same time, hundreds of people and only 2 security lanes open.

Then they start shuffling around people to a third lane just to cut it off in the middle and send the people who were moving back to the end of the line (where new people had accumulated).

As the flights turn to last call one after the other, the staff starts panicking and shout to please step to the front if your plane is leaving, so now a bunch of people are trying to squeeze in front of others who are already at the security checkpoint with their baggage open.

It was a shitshow.

Added to this:

- carpet for “noise reduction”: when it’s 2026 and many other materials are both quiet and sleek. Trolleys? if i need to add an additional step to roll my luggage which has wheels, it's BAD UX.

- no convenience store for snacks, only 2 distributors (orange juice was elite tho, will give them that)

- since security is at the gate, they make you throw out the liquids you bought in the airport after checking in

- gate shuffle train was announced and then didn’t let people in

Lastly, since everyone has created a cinematic universe around my life, I'll grant you a little insight:

- i've traveled to at least 20 countries in the past 2 years, seen my fair share of airports

- i got to the airport over 2.5 hours ahead of time

- my luggage rolls well, and i already own a rimowa but thank you for the ads

- my airport is DXB, so not shit. my other airport is CDG, which is shit. But the pride and joy of my people don't reside in airport logistics

- didn't get stopped for being suspected as a sex worker, although i'll take the compliment of people saying it's cuz i'm a hot girl

Lastly i'd like to say to people who think i'm a cunt: i am so much worse than you think :) if you were on fire and i had a water bottle i'd water the concrete with it 😘

xoxo

— Flo 👹 (@neflorious) October 12, 2026

Stands by carpet complaint

Vuong also maintained her criticism of the carpeting, arguing that other materials could reduce noise.

She said using a trolley added an unnecessary "additional step" when her luggage already had wheels.

The follow-up post also included further complaints about Changi Airport.

Vuong said there was no convenience store for snacks and that security screening at the gate meant she had to discard liquids bought inside the airport after checking in.

She added that her feedback comes from having travelled to "at least 20 countries in the past two years".

In a separate post, Vuong shared a meme with the caption: “I fear I’ve offended the Singaporeans”.

I fear I’ve offended the Singaporeans 🫢🤷🏻‍♀️ https://t.co/eYRxgB864L

— Flo 👹 (@neflorious) October 13, 2026

Mothership has reached out to Changi Airport Group for comment.

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.

United States President Donald Trump will travel to the Philippines in November to attend the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila.

The summit will be from Nov. 16 to 18.

Malacañang confirmed Trump’s planned visit on Oct. 14, Manila Bulletin reported.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the visit at a Palace briefing, but did not elaborate on Trump’s schedule or any possible agreements.

The Philippine government’s confirmation comes after the White House said Trump would participate in the ASEAN summit in Manila on Nov. 16.

He will next travel to Shenzhen, China, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit from Nov. 17 to 19.

Trump’s previous trip to the Philippines was in 2017, when he attended the ASEAN Summit in Manila during his first term.