{
  "id": 16009325,
  "title": "Singapore to lower age threshold as it expands mask distribution, will help retailers restock",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/singapore-to-lower-age-threshold-as-it-expands-mask-distribution-will",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-22T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Business Times - Singapore",
    "slug": "the-business-times-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-lower-age-threshold-it-expands-mask-distribution-will-help-retailers-restock"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore will lower the age threshold for mask distribution as it expands the initiative to assist local businesses affected by haze, according to Minister for Sustainability and Environment Grace Fu. The new age requirement of 60 years old will come into effect starting October 23, encompassing the Pioneer and Merdeka generations. Masks will continue to be stocked in supermarkets and online platforms, with the government aiding retailers in restocking. From October 14, haze masks were distributed through various channels, with about 22% of eligible Singaporeans having collected them so far. The newly eligible senior citizens can each request one pack of two masks, while other eligible groups can receive an additional pack. The government will monitor the situation and provide further support if required.",
  "summary": "Government monitoring impact on local businesses, may offer more support if needed: Grace Fu",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}