Singapore to roll out haze subsidies at GP clinics, polyclinics from Oct 12

These include distributing N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans and setting up air-conditioned haze shelters at community clubs, as well as selected residents’ committee and residents’ network centres.

Healthcare institutions, including public hospitals, polyclinics and nursing homes, have activated haze preparedness measures, including using air purifiers, closing windows in wards and corridors, and reducing ambient temperature through portable air coolers, where appropriate.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) will consider closing schools when the air quality forecast for the next day is in the hazardous range with the 24-hour PSI exceeding 300.

Education Minister Desmond Lee said on Saturday that any decision to close schools would be announced by around 8pm the day before through schools and MOE’s official channels.

He added that the ministry would continue monitoring the situation each day and assess whether schools should remain open the following day.

Meanwhile, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said Singapore is prepared to help Indonesia in fighting forest fires wherever necessary amid the ongoing haze.

Indonesia is battling its most intense wildfires in 11 years, with super El Nino weather conditions parching the country’s forests and fields.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni told Indonesian media last month that wildfires could go on until early November, with the rainy season expected to arrive late, as he urged people to stop using fire to clear land during an extended drought.