Singapore haze: Education Ministry may close schools if PSI rises above 300

Singapore's Minister for Education, Desmond Lee, emphasized the well-being of students and staff as the top priority amid deteriorating air quality over the past week. In a Facebook post, Lee reassured parents that lessons and national examinations would continue in well-ventilated spaces, with schools prepared to implement additional precautions if necessary.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced it would consider closing schools and postponing examinations for the day if the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaches hazardous levels, readings above 300. Such a decision would be communicated by around 8pm the day prior through schools and MOE's official channels. Lee stressed that the Ministry will closely monitor the situation daily and decide on school closures accordingly.

Additional information will be provided to parents via the Parents Gateway, a mobile app developed by MOE and GovTech for key administrative matters and announcements. The Haze Task Force, consisting of 28 government agencies, is prepared for the scenario where air quality reaches the very unhealthy range. The task force announced plans to roll out the next tier of action and advisories to protect public health, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic lung and heart conditions.

Measures include distributing N95 masks, opening haze shelters when PSI exceeds 201, and issuing advisories for preschools, schools, and workplaces. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu reiterated the government's concern for public health and her recent communication with her Indonesian counterpart. Singapore has also offered support in managing forest fires.