SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is prepared to release N95 masks from its stockpile to pharmacies if there is a shortage in the event of haze later this year.
The government also plans to work with the People's Association to distribute masks to low-income and vulnerable residents if there is severe haze.
In response to parliamentary questions, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on Wednesday (Jul 5) gave an update on the action plans by the Inter-Agency Haze Task Force, led by the National Environment Agency.
"We expect this year's dry season to be the hottest and driest since 2019," said Ms Fu.
El Nino conditions are expected to develop in the Pacific Ocean in the next one to two months, and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole between July and August.
"Both climate phenomena will bring drier and warmer weather that could intensify the dry season in Singapore and the region, leading to potentially more hotspots and an increased risk of transboundary haze," said Ms Fu.
Apart from plans to release N95 masks, she noted that all classrooms of primary and secondary schools, Ministry of Education kindergartens and special education schools are equipped with air purifiers.
Preschools are similarly required to have sufficient air purifiers to accommodate children in the event of haze.
MOH has also worked with public healthcare institutions, including nursing homes, to ensure they have enough air-purifying equipment and medical supplies, said Ms Fu.
It has also advised healthcare institutions on capacity mitigating measures in view of a potential increase in hospital admissions due to haze-related illnesses.
In addition, MOH has advised medical practitioners on how to manage and treat patients with haze-related conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
"Members of the public have been advised to refer to MOH's health advisories and to make preparations, such as ensuring that they have air purifiers in good working condition and N95 masks for prolonged outdoor activities during haze," said Ms Fu.
They can also check the NEA website, MyEnv mobile app and the government's haze microsite for updates.
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The government also plans to work with the People's Association to distribute masks to low-income and vulnerable residents if there is severe haze.
In response to parliamentary questions, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on Wednesday (Jul 5) gave an update on the action plans by the Inter-Agency Haze Task Force, led by the National Environment Agency.
"We expect this year's dry season to be the hottest and driest since 2019," said Ms Fu.
El Nino conditions are expected to develop in the Pacific Ocean in the next one to two months, and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole between July and August.
"Both climate phenomena will bring drier and warmer weather that could intensify the dry season in Singapore and the region, leading to potentially more hotspots and an increased risk of transboundary haze," said Ms Fu.
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Apart from plans to release N95 masks, she noted that all classrooms of primary and secondary schools, Ministry of Education kindergartens and special education schools are equipped with air purifiers.
Preschools are similarly required to have sufficient air purifiers to accommodate children in the event of haze.
MOH has also worked with public healthcare institutions, including nursing homes, to ensure they have enough air-purifying equipment and medical supplies, said Ms Fu.
It has also advised healthcare institutions on capacity mitigating measures in view of a potential increase in hospital admissions due to haze-related illnesses.
In addition, MOH has advised medical practitioners on how to manage and treat patients with haze-related conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
"Members of the public have been advised to refer to MOH's health advisories and to make preparations, such as ensuring that they have air purifiers in good working condition and N95 masks for prolonged outdoor activities during haze," said Ms Fu.
They can also check the NEA website, MyEnv mobile app and the government's haze microsite for updates.
Continue reading...