2nd round of N95 mask distribution to prepare S’poreans for worsening haze in future: Grace Fu
Even as the haze situation has improved over the past few days, the authorities are distributing a second round of N95 masks from Friday (23 Oct).
This time, the age of eligibility will be lowered to 60, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu in a media doorstop on Thursday (22 Oct).
Source: Dinesh Vasu Dash on Facebook
2 more N95 masks available for eligible S’poreans
Ms Fu said that while the haze situation has improved, it may deteriorate “in the near future”.
Thus, a second round of masks will be distributed in the community as “we must always be prepared”, she noted, adding:
Protecting the health of Singaporeans remains our priority, particularly those more vulnerable amongst us.
From Friday, eligible Singaporeans can collect another two masks from community clubs or mask-vending machines.
Source: Grace Fu on Facebook
Seniors aged 60 & above to be eligible for N95 mask distribution
The eligibility criteria remain the same, except that the cut-off age for seniors has been lowered from 67 to 60 in response to feedback from members of the public.
So those aged 60 and above will be eligible for the masks even if they are not from the Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation, Ms Fu said.
Others eligible for the masks are:
- CHAS blue and orange card holders
- Medical Fee Exemption Card holders
- ComCare Assistance recipients
Pregnant women, children aged seven to 16 and those with medical conditions such as asthma may collect the masks at People’s Association (PA) venues.
Enough masks available to meet demand: Grace Fu
Ms Fu acknowledged that some stores have sold out of masks, so her ministry is working “very closely” with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to draw on their national inventory.
They are also working to stock up and help retailers with their stock.
In a previous Facebook video, she assured Singaporeans that FairPrice had sufficient stock at their supermarkets and Unity stores, as well via online ordering.
When she visited its warehouse, they had just drawn stock from the MOH’s national stockpile.
Source: Grace Fu on Facebook
The minister also urged Singaporeans not to panic, rush or stock up on masks. We just need to give retailers some time to replenish their shelves, she noted, adding:
There are enough masks to meet demand. While some stores may temporarily run low, retailers are stepping up deliveries to replenish stocks quickly.
She also encouraged the public to buy only what they need, with masks able to be reused as long as they are not soiled or dirty, damp, damaged or out of shape.
Public encouraged to help others collect masks
Ms Fu said the authorities are aware that there may be people in the community in need of help to physically collect their masks.
This includes the elderly, hawkers and delivery riders.
She thus encouraged the public to help these people, whether they are volunteers, neighbours, business owners or colleagues, maintaining:
If every one of us can do our part… to support the vulnerable among us, we can pull through this haze episode.
Also read: GrabFood rider in S’pore ‘touched’ after customer gives him N95 masks to stay safe from haze
GrabFood rider in S’pore ‘touched’ after customer gives him N95 masks to stay safe from haze
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Featured image adapted from Grace Fu on Facebook and Dinesh Vasu Dash on Facebook.
