Summary
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong collected N95 masks at Teck Ghee Community Club on Oct 14 amid worsening haze conditions in Singapore.
The People’s Association began distributing masks to vulnerable groups, including seniors, pregnant women, children and people with medical conditions.
Community clubs and selected Residents’ Network Centres are opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to offer residents respite from the haze.
SINGAPORE: Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong collected N95 masks at Teck Ghee Community Club on Oct 14 and urged residents to take care of themselves and their loved ones.
In an Instagram post dated Oct 14, Mr Lee advised people to wear masks when needed, stay indoors when haze conditions worsen and follow updates from official sources and news channels.
The message came as the People’s Association began distributing free masks to vulnerable groups, with collection points available across Singapore.
Free N95 masks available for eligible residents
The distribution exercise aims to help people who may face greater health risks from the haze.
Eligible recipients 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, including asthma, can also collect masks at People’s Association venues by presenting their NRICs.
Family members or friends may collect masks on behalf of eligible recipients using the recipient’s NRIC. Residents can check their nearest collection point through the government’s haze mask collection website.
For residents in Teck Ghee, masks are available at Teck Ghee Community Club and Ang Mo Kio Community Club. On Oct 14, collection was available until 10 p.m., with operating hours set at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Oct 15 onwards.
Other collection points, including vending machines, are also available.
Community clubs offer shelter from the haze
Masks are only one part of the response. Residents also need places where they can spend time away from hazy outdoor conditions.
Mr Lee said community clubs and selected Residents’ Network Centres would open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for residents seeking respite.
These spaces offer an additional option for people who need somewhere to spend time indoors during periods of poor air quality.
The availability of such spaces may be especially helpful for residents whose homes lack effective cooling or whose daily routines require them to spend time outdoors. However, residents should check official announcements for the latest venue information and access arrangements.
Small steps can help protect vulnerable groups
The haze affects people differently. Those with existing breathing problems may need greater care, while children, older adults and pregnant women may require extra attention during periods of poor air quality.
Wearing a suitable mask when needed, limiting outdoor activity when conditions deteriorate and checking official updates are practical steps residents can take.
Singaporeans should also look out for family members and neighbours who may need help obtaining masks or finding a place indoors.
Haze can be difficult to control at the individual level, but responses at home and in the community can be more effective. A little preparation, timely information and consideration for those at greater risk can help people get through the affected period more safely.
Read related: Free N95 masks for vulnerable individuals to mitigate haze’s negative health effects in Singapore