The National Environment Agency (NEA) has announced that most haze mitigation measures, including mask distribution and the operation of community haze shelters, will cease on Saturday (7 Nov) following an improvement in the haze situation.
In an advisory issued on Thursday (5 Nov), NEA said the haze situation in Singapore and the surrounding region had improved due to more frequent showers and inter-monsoon conditions.
With the risk of transboundary haze expected to remain low, Singapore’s inter-agency Haze Task Force will also be stood down.
The distribution of N95 or equivalent masks will end at 6pm on 7 Nov.
Collection points include People’s Association (PA) Community Clubs (CCs), vending machines at selected public transport hubs, Social Service Offices, and other PA venues.
Source: Seah Kian Peng on Facebook
Community haze shelters will also close at 6pm that day.
These comprise air-conditioned rooms at CCs and selected Residents’ Committee (RC) and Residents’ Network (RN) Centres that had been designated as shelters during the haze.
Source: Poh Li San on Facebook
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will deactivate the Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC) Scheme and Haze Subsidy Scheme (HSS) from 12 Nov.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will also stand down its haze-related measures for outdoor workers from 7 Nov, allowing employers to resume normal outdoor work arrangements.
NEA will issue its final haze situation update for the season on 7 Nov.
NEA forecast the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) for 6 Nov to range between 51 and 80, within the Moderate range.
Source: National Environment Agency
As at 7pm on 5 Nov, the 1-hour PM2.5 readings ranged from 6 to 17 µg/m³, within the Normal range, while the 24-hour PSI stood at 56 to 64, within the Moderate range.
NEA expects showers and variable winds over Singapore and the surrounding region to keep the haze suppressed over the coming days.
Satellite imagery on 5 Nov also showed moderate to dense smoke plumes confined to southern Kalimantan, although cloud cover prevented NEA from determining the full extent of the hotspots and haze.
Source: National Environment Agency
Despite the improvement, members of the public are advised to continue monitoring air quality when planning outdoor activities.
They can refer to NEA’s daily PSI forecast and health advisories when planning activities for the following day, or check the latest 1-hour PM2.5 readings for more immediate plans.
The latest air quality updates and a personalised activity guide are available on the government’s haze microsite and myENV app.
Also read: Parliament proposes up to S$20M fines for firms linked to haze-causing fires
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Featured image adapted from Seah Kian Peng via Facebook and Poh Li San via Facebook.