With the PSI only increasing by the day, it might still be a good while before this year’s haze season blows over. While many have resorted to buying air purifiers to make their lives at home a little more bearable, we’ve all got to leave our air-conditioned havens at some point, be it for work or to get food.
Masking up when the PSI reads unhealthy is one way of keeping the haze’s harmful pollutants at bay, and our government concurs. They’re handing out free N95 masks, but hold your horses; not everyone can claim this freebie. Here’s all you need to know about heading out to collect the free N95 mask given out by the People’s Association (PA).
Image adapted from: Dinesh Vasu Dash தினேஷ் வாசு தாஸ் 迪內希 via Facebook
Just yesterday, the gov.sg social media pages announced that in view of the deteriorating air quality caused by the haze, free N95 masks will be given out in packs of 2. Eligible Singaporeans who are entitled a pack include:
If you’re eligible to collect a free pack of N95 masks, simply bring your NRIC and head down to a PA Community Club near you to redeem them.
Alternatively, those who are from the Pioneer or Merdeka Generation, CHAS Orange or Blue cardholders, MFEC holders, and ComCare recipients can collect theirs from various vending machines at selected public transport hubs, Social Service Offices, and PA venues.
To find a collection point near you, you can visit the HazeMaskGoWhere website, key in your location, and the one closest to you will pop up.
Image for illustration purposes only.
According to gov.sg, it is recommended for vulnerable folks such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic heart or lung diseases to wear an N95-equivalent mask when the PSI rises above 200. Should the PSI go above 300, both healthy and vulnerable persons are encouraged to don the mask.
Image credit: NUS
With PSI readings only trending upwards as we head into mid-October, it doesn’t hurt to take precautionary measures when it comes to protecting our health, even if the haze’s not affecting you too badly. As such, check if you or your family members are eligible to collect a free pack of N95 masks to keep safe for the coming weeks ahead.
For more guides on how to survive the haze:
Cover image adapted from: 杰哥的旅行日记 & 冉冉玩不嗨 via RED
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