BIGBANG concertgoers have been urged to take precautions against Singapore’s worsening haze, with organisers issuing an advisory ahead of the group’s weekend shows at the National Stadium.
AEG Presents Asia said on Friday (16 Oct) that water points, face masks, and first aid services would be available at the venue as the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entered the Very Unhealthy range.
Source: AEG Presents Asia on Facebook
Under The Kallang’s haze management policy, all indoor and outdoor activities will be suspended if the 24-hour PSI exceeds 300 and enters the Hazardous range.
However, The Kallang notes that arrangements may vary for individual events depending on their nature and prevailing conditions, and there has been no announcement that BIGBANG’s concerts will be cancelled.
In its Facebook advisory, AEG Presents Asia said concertgoers could approach venue staff for face masks or first aid, while water points would be available throughout the venue.
It also urged fans to check the latest air quality updates before heading to the venue and to seek medical attention immediately if they felt unwell.
Source: @bigbang_2xx6 on Instagram
A day earlier, the organiser had advised concertgoers to consider wearing masks if they were sensitive to haze, stay hydrated, and minimise prolonged outdoor activities.
Fans were also encouraged to plan their routes and arrival times to reduce the amount of time spent outdoors, and to bring personal medication if required.
Glass and steel water bottles are not allowed, although other bottles can be brought in and refilled at the venue.
The Kallang’s haze management policy, last updated on Friday (16 Oct), sets out general response measures based on the 24-hour PSI.
Source: The Kallang
When the PSI reaches the Very Unhealthy range of 201 to 300, all outdoor activities will be suspended.
If it exceeds 300 and enters the Hazardous range, all indoor and outdoor activities will be suspended.
The Kallang has already suspended several outdoor venues until further notice due to current air quality conditions.
These include the OCBC Aquatic Centre, Water Sports Centre, Kallang Football Hub, outdoor courts at Kallang Tennis Hub, and all outdoor community facilities.
Source: Google Maps
It added that arrangements for individual events may vary depending on their nature and prevailing conditions, and advised the public to refer to the latest event-specific updates.
BIGBANG’s concerts are scheduled for Saturday (17 Oct) and Sunday (18 Oct) at the National Stadium.
Source: The Kallang
The advisories come amid worsening haze conditions across Singapore.
On Wednesday (14 Oct), the western region’s hourly PM2.5 reading reached 288 at 3pm, entering the Very High range and marking the highest reading since the 2015 haze season.
Source: CloudSpotting & SkySpotting Singapore on Facebook
At the time, the 24-hour PSI ranged from 114 to 160 across Singapore, placing all five regions in the Unhealthy range.
Conditions have since deteriorated further. By noon on Friday, the 24-hour PSI had reached 226 in central Singapore, 205 in the east, and 202 in the west, all within the Very Unhealthy range.
Authorities have also begun the phased distribution of N95 masks to eligible vulnerable individuals, while selected sports facilities have been temporarily closed as a precaution.
Source: Dinesh Vasu Dash on Facebook
The National Environment Agency (NEA) advises people to refer to hourly PM2.5 readings when deciding on immediate outdoor activities, and to the 24-hour PSI forecast when planning activities for the following day.
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Featured image adapted from CloudSpotting & SkySpotting Singapore on Facebook and @coachella on Instagram.