‘With the haze affecting Singapore, wear a mask, stay indoors when the haze is bad’ — SM Lee urges residents as he collects N95 masks at CC

On October 14, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong gathered N95 masks at Teck Ghee Community Club as Singapore grappled with worsening haze conditions. The People's Association began supplying masks to vulnerable groups such as seniors, pregnant women, children, and individuals with medical conditions. Community clubs and certain Residents' Network Centres opened from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide residents with a refuge from the haze.

Lee urged residents to protect themselves and their loved ones by wearing masks when required, staying indoors when the haze worsened, and staying updated through official channels. The People's Association distributed free N95 masks to eligible residents, including Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors, CHAS Orange and Blue cardholders, Medical Fee Exemption Card holders, ComCare Assistance recipients, pregnant women, children aged seven to 16, and people with medical conditions like asthma.

Family members or friends could collect masks on behalf of eligible recipients using the recipient's NRIC. Collection points included People's Association venues, with Teck Ghee Community Club and Ang Mo Kio Community Club offering masks to residents in Teck Ghee. Residents could verify their nearest collection point via the government's haze mask collection website.

From October 15, operating hours at community clubs extended to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Community clubs and selected Residents' Network Centres provided a place for residents to seek respite from the hazy outdoor conditions.