Singaporeans aged 60 and above will qualify for free haze masks from Friday (23 October), as the government starts a second round of distribution and lowers the senior eligibility age from 67.
Each newly eligible senior can collect two masks. Those who already qualified for the first round will be entitled to another pair.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu announced the expansion at Beo Crescent Market on Thursday (22 October), CNA reported.
She said the government had received feedback from seniors aged above 60 who did not hold Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation cards but would also benefit from the masks.
How Many Masks Can You Collect?
Previously eligible Singaporeans who have already collected their first pair can collect another two from a community club (CC) or designated vending machine.
If they have not collected any, they can receive both rounds together, totalling four masks, at any CC.
Seniors who qualify through the newly lowered age threshold can collect one pack containing two masks.
Other eligible groups continue to include Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Orange and Blue cardholders, Medical Fee Exemption Card holders and ComCare Assistance recipients.
Pregnant women, children aged seven to 16, and people with medical conditions such as asthma can collect their masks at CCs.
Eligible Singaporeans can also ask a family member or friend to collect on their behalf using the eligible person’s NRIC.
Collection points, including CCs and haze mask vending machines, can be found on HazeMaskGoWhere.
Collect Before Air Quality Worsens
About 22% of eligible Singaporeans had collected their masks, according to the Haze Task Force.
Ms Fu encouraged those who had yet to collect to do so while air quality had improved, so they would be prepared if conditions deteriorated again.
Government Helping Retailers Restock
Ms Fu also addressed concerns about empty mask shelves at some shops.
Supplies at Sheng Siong, Giant and Cold Storage will be topped up from the Ministry of Health’s national mask stockpile, she said.
She said masks were also available through FairPrice Group’s stores and online platforms, and urged the public to give retailers time to restock.
