The hourly PM2.5 concentration in western Singapore reached 288 micrograms per cubic metre at 3pm on 14 October, placing it in the “very high” band.
Sport Singapore (SportSG) temporarily closed outdoor and non-air-conditioned facilities at ActiveSG sport centres in the west. Its website’s updated advisory now covers the east and central regions too.
Separately, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged from 114 to 160 at 3pm. All five regions were in the “unhealthy” range on that measure.
ActiveSG Closures Include Pools And Stadiums
SportSG said the temporary closures were an additional precaution in response to elevated PM2.5 readings.
Affected western facilities listed on ActiveSG’s closure page include swimming complexes in Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, Clementi, Jurong East, Jurong West and Senja-Cashew, as well as the Jurong Lake Gardens Pool.
Stadiums in Bukit Gombak, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East and Jurong West are also affected, alongside ActiveSG Hockey Village @ Boon Lay and ActiveSG Sport Village @ Jurong Town.
The haze-related closure entries take effect on 14 October and run until further notice. Visitors can check the ActiveSG facilities closure page before heading down.
What The PM2.5 And PSI Readings Mean
The two readings measure air quality differently and use different categories.
The hourly PM2.5 figure measures the average concentration of fine particles over one hour. It helps people assess current conditions before deciding whether to head outdoors.
An hourly concentration of 251 micrograms per cubic metre or higher falls within the “very high” band.
The 24-hour PSI is an index calculated using six pollutants, including PM2.5. Each pollutant has a sub-index, and the highest determines the overall PSI.
A PSI of 101 to 200 is “unhealthy”, while 201 to 300 is “very unhealthy”. The west’s hourly PM2.5 reading of 288 therefore should not be read as a PSI of 288.
Minimise Outdoor Activity When Hourly PM2.5 Is Very High
Under the National Environment Agency’s guide, people should minimise all outdoor activity for the next hour when their region’s hourly PM2.5 reading is in the very high band.
Vulnerable people should avoid all outdoor activity during that period. This group includes seniors, pregnant women, children and people with chronic lung or heart disease.
For decisions about going outdoors soon, NEA advises checking the latest hourly PM2.5 reading and its accompanying guide. For outdoor activities planned for the following day, use the 24-hour PSI forecast and corresponding health advisory.
Hourly readings can fluctuate throughout the day as weather conditions change. Updated regional readings are available on NEA’s haze website and the myENV app.
