CCs islandwide distribute 60,000 N95 masks to residents

SINGAPORE — A total of 60,000 N95 masks were collected by 30,000 residents at the 108 community centres (CCs) islandwide by 3pm today (Sept 25), even though air quality improved over the day after tipping over to hazardous levels in the morning. 

The haze shelters — air-conditioned rooms at CCs and Residents’ Committee centres — saw relatively fewer users, but the People’s Association (PA) assured that should the haze enter the hazardous levels again, the shelters — which close at midnight — will be open 24 hours. 

As at 3pm today, grassroots volunteers and PA staff had also conducted 2,700 house visits to residents who are immobile or sick, and elderly with medical conditions and living alone. The efforts yesterday involved 3,000 volunteers, the PA said.

Eligible Singaporeans and permanent residents are entitled to collect two masks each, upon presenting the blue CHAS card or Pioneer Generation card. The masks are also given to ComCare recipients who are above 62 or have longer-term medical issues. The distribution comes on the back of the WeCare packs containing food items, medication and a N95 mask that were given out last week to 30,000 vulnerable households.

Mrs Wong Ah Moi, 82, went to Tanjong Pagar CC today, after hearing about the mask distribution from her friend. “(Although) it is uncomfortable for me to breathe with the mask on, this makes it more convenient for me to go out,” she said, adding she was grateful for the masks.

Another resident, Ms Kuah Geh Heok, 51, welcomed the initiative as the masks were expensive for her, but felt two masks were not enough. “I think I will give them to my (adult) children,” she added.