Government distribution of N95 and equivalent masks will end at 6pm on Saturday, 7 November, when designated haze shelters will also close.
The Haze Subsidy Scheme will end separately from Thursday, 12 November. This makes Wednesday, 11 November, the final day for eligible treatment under the scheme.
The changes were announced on 5 November as Singapore’s air quality improved.
Mask Collection And Haze Shelters End On 7 November
The 6pm collection deadline applies to distribution through People’s Association community clubs and vending machines at selected public transport hubs, Social Service Offices and PA venues.
Air-conditioned rooms serving as haze shelters at community clubs and selected Residents’ Committee and Residents’ Network centres will close at the same time.
Eligible residents who still need to collect their masks should do so before the Saturday evening deadline.
Haze Subsidies Continue Until 11 November
The Ministry of Health (MOH) will deactivate both the Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC) Scheme and Haze Subsidy Scheme from 12 November.
Until then, eligible Singapore citizens can receive subsidised treatment for haze-related conditions at participating GP clinics and polyclinics.
Public Assistance cardholders pay nothing out of pocket. Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation seniors pay no more than S$5, while other eligible citizens pay no more than S$10.
All Singapore citizens qualify at polyclinics. At participating GP clinics, eligibility covers citizens who are:
- Aged 18 and below, or 65 and above.
- Supported under Public Assistance, Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation schemes.
- Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue or Orange cardholders.
- Medical Fee Exemption Card holders.
Residents can find participating clinics through GPGoWhere, linked from MOH’s haze information page. Clinics also display a PHPC decal or Haze Subsidy Scheme poster.
MOH advises people who feel unwell, especially older people, children and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, to seek medical advice.
Why The Measures Are Ending
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said increased rain during the inter-monsoon period, the transition between monsoon seasons, had improved Singapore’s haze situation. Regional hotspots and haze conditions had also improved.
The Ministry of Manpower’s additional haze precautions for outdoor workers will be lifted from 7 November.
NEA will issue its final haze situation update for this season on 7 November. Residents can continue checking air-quality information on haze.gov.sg or the myENV app.
