Everything You Need to Know About the Next Free Mask Distribution Exercise That’ll Start From 26 Aug

It’s 2021, and the world has changed such that besides basic survival needs like food, water and air, you can’t do without masks either.

Are you already running low on mask supplies at home?

Well, let’s hope not, for it doesn’t seem like the end to the pandemic is anywhere in sight.

However, you can once again stock up on free masks in case you really needed more.

Temasek Holdings’ Fifth Mask Distribution

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve thankfully been able to receive quite a number of free masks, hand sanitisers and other pandemic essentials from the government and companies.

One of them is Temasek Holdings, which has been holding multiple distribution exercises for the Singaporean community – with the latest being free oximeters just last month.

In light of the new Delta variant, Temasek Holdings CEO HO Ching announced that the company would be giving out masks with high protection capabilities.

The latest exercise will be the Stay Prepared initiative’s fifth distribution exercise, and eligible households in Singapore will be able to collect a box of 50 surgical masks on top of 25 N95 masks.

From 26 August to 26 September, residents will be able to collect their masks at various supermarkets islandwide, at a total of 131 outlets.

Show Your Bills At Supermarkets

Unlike previous collection exercises where you can just show your IC as proof when collecting the free supplies, it will be the first time one will have to show their electricity bill instead.

When collecting, one simply has to show their SP Group utility bill either in paper or electronic form to verify the account number and have it scanned.

Some have brought up concerns about how those living in rental flats can collect them if they don’t have their own bill, to which Ms Ho responded that appeals can be made via email or to one’s MP.

Supermarket chains like Sheng Siong, Fairprice, Cold Storage, Prime Supermarket, and Giant will be participating in the distribution exercise at larger outlets and in selected Capitaland mall outlets.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints due to bulky stock volumes, you won’t be able to collect these masks at pharmacies.

Not all supermarket outlets will be participating either – they would have to be big enough and have a “very tightly linked” supply chain, Ms Ho added.

Additionally, in a bid to be more eco-friendly, residents are encouraged to bring their own bags when going to collect the masks.

One doesn’t have to be a genius to know what will probably happen when you put “free things” and “Singaporeans” together.

Ms Ho advised Singaporeans not to rush and crowd at supermarkets for the first few days of the exercise, because there will be enough stock for everyone.

These Masks More Effective Against Delta Variant

With a stronger and mutated COVID-19 disease, we’re gonna need stronger protection against it too.

The latest Delta version of the disease apparently can infect up to five or six more people who have come into contact with a positive case.

As such, medical-grade surgical masks are able to filter out 95% or more particles, while N95 masks are used in high risk medical situations.

If at least 80% of the population wear masks that are at least 80% effective as well, then infection rates might be reduced, Ms Ho concluded.

To know how masks could help in preventing infections, watch this video to the end:

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Featured Image: Facebook (HO Ching) ; Maridav/ shutterstock.com