Business as usual for now, but firms, groups make plans if air quality worsens
The central and eastern parts of Singapore recorded PSI readings in the "Unhealthy" range on Sept 4.
Businesses and organizations in Singapore are maintaining regular operations despite the current unhealthy air quality caused by the haze. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), which measures air quality, reached 101 in the central region on September 4 at 7 a.m. and climbed to 120 by 9 p.m. The eastern part of Singapore also entered the unhealthy range at 9 p.m. on the same day.
The environmental authority advises the public to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities during air quality in the 101 to 200 range.
Parents have had to modify their plans due to the poor air quality. Desmond Ng, a 37-year-old human resources professional, shortened his outing with his daughter to less than three hours at Anchorpoint mall, stating that they would only be doing errands if they need to. Ng and his family are traveling to Indonesia for a holiday on September 6 and plan to avoid outdoor activities until then.
Organizations involved in outdoor activities, as well as a healthcare group, are prepared to make necessary adjustments to their operations if required.
The Sentosa Development Corporation may recommend changes to event formats, operations, or visitor advisories based on the air quality and operational needs. Skyline Luge in Sentosa does not plan to suspend its activities but will follow official guidance if the situation changes. Track and field's Age Group Championships at the Home of Athletics in Kallang will proceed as planned, but races with a distance of 1,500 meters and above, as well as race-walking events, may be cancelled if the one-hour PM2.5 reading exceeds 100.
The Singapore Rugby Union and the Singapore Baseball and Softball Association will consider adjustments to match formats or outdoor training sessions if the air quality worsens. Eateries near Fullerton Bay in the central business district may shift customers indoors if necessary. The manager of Brewerkz's outlet at One Fullerton noted that the outdoor space was crowded on September 4, but she might provide masks for waiters if they feel affected by the air quality.
Jypsy in the same area is reviewing the need for more air circulators and fans for their outdoor dining area. Local patrons have been requesting for indoor seating as the air has been smoky over the past few days. Haze did not deter crowds at nightspots in Boat Quay and Circular Road. Ren Ci, a charity healthcare institution, will closely monitor vulnerable patients and residents, reduce outdoor activities, and adjust rehabilitation sessions to less strenuous indoor activities.
They will also make N95 masks available if needed. Pets are also at risk from unhealthy air quality, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises pet owners to limit their pets' outdoor activities and keep them well hydrated.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
