Singapore Government Agencies Implement Measures to Mitigate Impact of Haze

Source: Government of Singapore

Health Advisory

3. The health impact of the haze is dependent on each individual’s health status, the PSI level, and the duration and intensity of outdoor activity. Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure. The public is advised to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Those with chronic heart and lung conditions should ensure that medications are on hand and readily accessible. Vulnerable persons, especially the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic heart and lung conditions, who develop symptoms or feel unwell, should seek medical attention promptly. 

5. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has worked with our healthcare institutions and long-term care providers (including public hospitals, polyclinics and nursing homes) to put in place haze preparedness measures which include using air purifiers and fans, and reducing ambient temperature by deploying portable air coolers where appropriate. Our public healthcare institutions are also monitoring patients closely for possible health effects of the haze and will carry out appropriate medical intervention where necessary. 

Advice for Preschools 

7. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has advised preschools to monitor the air quality levels and comply with the corresponding health advisories. Preschools will minimise prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous indoor physical activities for children when the air quality is in the Unhealthy range. Children with underlying chronic heart and lung conditions will be exempted from outdoor activities and physical exercise.

8. To safeguard the general well-being of the children, all preschools are equipped with air purifiers. Preschools have at least one enclosed room with air purifier(s) turned on to temporarily accommodate children who may become unwell or develop respiratory problems due to the impact of haze. Preschools are also required to ensure that children with asthma, heart or respiratory problems have their prescribed medication with them, and to closely monitor the health of all children. Should any child exhibit respiratory problems or feel unwell, parents are alerted and advised to seek medical attention for the child. 

Ensuring the Well-Being of Students in Schools

9. The Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools have in place plans to ensure the well-being of students and staff during a haze situation. Schools are ready to respond and take appropriate haze management measures, taking reference from NEA’s readings. Institutes of Higher Learning will monitor the haze situation and adopt risk mitigating measures in accordance with the MOH health advisory.

11. While schools remain open and national examinations proceed as scheduled, schools have made arrangements for all candidates to take their papers in enclosed spaces with air purifiers if the air quality is in the Unhealthy range or worse during the examination. Should there be a school closure, national examinations will be rescheduled. School candidates will be informed via their schools. Private candidates will be informed via the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB).

Advice for Workplaces 

• Reducing the duration of prolonged or strenuous work for healthy employees.  

• Minimising prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for vulnerable workers, especially the elderly and pregnant women.  

• Avoiding prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for workers with chronic heart and lung conditions

• Using mechanical aids, implementing job rotation, scheduling indoor rest breaks and ensuring adequate hydration etc. 

• Providing suitable protective equipment, considering pollutants present in the work environment. 

Safeguarding Singapore

13. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) under the Ministry of Defence and the Home Team Departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs are well equipped and will continue to safeguard Singapore’s peace and security amid the haze situation. Based on the 24-hour PSI level and 1-hour PM2.5 concentration levels, they have calibrated the level and intensity of training and outdoor activities, as well as taken precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of all service personnel. 

Advice for Motorists

14. To enhance road safety, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) advises motorists to switch on headlights when visibility is low and drive with care.

Sporting Activities

Community Activities 

16. Community activities organised by the People’s Association and its grassroots organisations will be guided by the 24-hour PSI forecast issued by NEA and the accompanying health advisory. Air-conditioned rooms in all Community Centres/Clubs (CC) and selected Residents’ Committee (RC) Centres/Residents’ Network (RN) Centres will be on standby for members of the public who want to seek respite from the haze, should the 24-hour PSI reading cross into the Very Unhealthy level (PSI >200). Residents may contact their nearest CCs or refer to RC/RN Notice Boards for more information on these locations.

17. The HTF will continue to monitor the situation closely to minimise the impact of haze on the public. HTF agencies will provide further advisories should the haze situation deteriorate. 

Issued on behalf of agencies in the Haze Task Force

ANNEX A

 LIST OF HAZE TASK FORCE MEMBER AGENCIES

 The Haze Task Force (HTF) was formed in September 1994 and is part of a coordinated effort across the whole of government. The HTF comprises representatives from 28 government agencies.