Source: Government of Singapore
Singapore, 09 October 2026 – Over the past week, the haze situation has deteriorated due to an increase in hotspots in southern and central Sumatra, and unfavourable wind conditions.
2 As of 7pm on 9 Oct, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 69 – 123µg/m3, in Band 2, Elevated, and the 24-hr Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) was 136 – 192, in the Unhealthy range.
3 While showers are expected over Singapore and the surrounding region on Saturday (10 Oct) and Sunday (11 Oct), the prevailing southeasterly to southwesterly winds may continue to transport smoke haze from southern Sumatra and Kalimantan towards Singapore.
4 Based on the current situation, it is possible that the 24-hour PSI may exceed 200 and enter the Very Unhealthy range. In preparation for this, the Government’s Haze Task Force (HTF), led by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and comprising 28 government agencies, has been convened and HTF agencies stand ready to roll out the next tier of action plans and advisories to protect the health and well-being of the public, especially vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic lung and heart diseases.
General Health Advisory
5 The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure. Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy persons should avoid prolonged and strenuous outdoor physical exertion. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise outdoor activity, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid outdoor activities. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.
6 Healthcare institutions (including public hospitals, polyclinics, and nursing homes) have activated haze preparedness measures, such as using air purifiers, closing the windows in the wards and corridors, and reducing ambient temperature through portable air coolers, where appropriate. Given the worsening air quality, community care providers offering residential and centre-based services have been reminded to replace outdoor activities with indoor ones.
7 N95 masks are generally not required for short outdoor exposure, like commuting from home to school or work, or when indoors. A healthy individual who has to be outdoors for several hours may wear an N95 mask to reduce exposure when the air quality forecast is in the Hazardous range (PSI >300). Vulnerable persons such as the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with chronic heart or lung disease may wear an N95 mask to reduce exposure when the air quality forecast is in the Very Unhealthy range (PSI >200) and if they have to be outdoors for several hours. However, the elderly, pregnant women and those with severe lung or heart problems who have difficulty breathing at rest or on exertion should consult their doctor before using an N95 mask. Any person who feels discomfort when using an N95 mask should take a break from using the mask.
8 There are sufficient stocks of N95 masks in retailers’ warehouses and government stockpiles. As part of ongoing haze preparedness efforts, the HTF works closely with retailers to ensure the availability of N95 masks to the public.
Distribution of masks
9 The Government has set aside N95 masks to support Singaporeans who may be more vulnerable to the effects of haze or who may have limited means of obtaining N95 masks. When the PSI enters the Very Unhealthy range (PSI>200), the People’s Association (PA) grassroots organisations will start distributing N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans. To complement PA’s distribution, mask vending machines will also be made available at selected public transport hubs and social services offices.
10 The following eligible Singaporeans* can collect N95 masks (2 pieces per pack) at the following locations using their NRICs. They may also ask a family member or friend to collect the masks on their behalf using the eligible person’s NRIC.
*The following persons may collect masks at vending machines at selected public transport hubs, Social Service Offices and PA venues with their NRICs:
Advice for Pre-schools and Schools
11 The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) requires preschools to cease all outdoor activities and strenuous indoor activities when the air quality is in the Very Unhealthy range. Children with chronic heart and lung conditions will be exempted from all indoor physical activities.
12 Preschools are required to ensure that all children remain in enclosed and well-ventilated indoor spaces with doors and windows closed, and fans or air conditioners switched on. In addition, preschools are to prepare 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.
13 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, the preschool is to inform the parents and seek medical attention for the child.
14 The Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools have plans to ensure the well-being of students and staff during a haze situation. Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning are ready to respond and take appropriate haze management measures taking guidance from the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) advisory (www.moh.gov.sg/others/haze).
15 All students will be kept in well-ventilated indoor enclosed spaces with air purifiers turned on. Teachers will also be on the lookout for students who are unwell or have pre-existing lung or heart conditions.
16 Classroom lessons will continue, but lessons may be modified as appropriate. For instance, students may be assigned work confined to sit-down classroom setting. Outdoor activities will be avoided. Students and staff who are unwell will be sent for medical attention. Schools will monitor the 1-hour PM2.5 readings throughout the day and adjust activities as needed in response to changing conditions.
17 For national examinations, schools have made arrangements for all candidates to take their papers in enclosed spaces, such as classrooms or halls. Air purifiers will also be provided so that examinations can continue should haze conditions unexpectedly worsen.
18 As was the case in 2015, MOE will consider closing schools when the air quality forecast for the next day is Hazardous (24-hour PSI>300). In making any decision to close schools, MOE is mindful of the disruptions to families’ care arrangements for their children, and will take into consideration all available information, health advisories and forecasts from the relevant authorities regarding the next day’s haze situation.
19 Should school closures coincide with national examinations, the affected examination papers will be rescheduled and the examination period extended. The announcement on the rescheduling of examinations will be made together with the announcement on school closure. School and private candidates will be informed through their schools and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) respectively.
20 If the candidate is unable to sit for or continue with the examination, the candidate’s health must take priority. There are existing procedures for schools to escalate the situation to SEAB for special consideration so that the candidate will not be penalised. For more information on schools’ haze management plans, refer to www.moe.gov.sg/haze-management-measures.
Advice for Workplaces
21 The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reminds employers not to compromise on the health and safety of their employees as they continue operating, especially employees involved in outdoor work. To carry out outdoor work safely, employers should adhere to MOM’s haze guidelines and tripartite advisories (www.mom.gov.sg/haze) and adopt the following risk mitigating measures when the 24-hour PSI enters the “Very Unhealthy” range:
- Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for healthy employees.
- Minimise outdoor work for vulnerable workers, especially the elderly and pregnant women.
- Avoid outdoor work for workers with chronic heart and lung conditions.
- Use mechanical aids, implement job rotation, schedule indoor rest breaks and ensure adequate hydration.
- If prolonged or strenuous outdoor work is not avoidable, and an employer still requires an employee to work due to extenuating circumstances, the employer is strongly urged to provide suitable masks (e.g., N95 masks or equivalent).
22 Employers should monitor workers’ health and symptoms closely, with regular clear communications on the measures taken to help employees cope with the impact of the haze. In addition, MOM advises platform workers who are exposed to the haze while performing outdoor deliveries to similarly follow the measures outlined in the advisory as much as possible.
Haze Shelters at CC and RC Centres
23 Air-conditioned rooms in Community Clubs (CCs) and selected Residents’ Committee (RC) and Residents’ Network (RN) Centres will be set up as haze shelters when the PSI enters the Very Unhealthy range (PSI>200). Members of the public can seek respite from the haze at these haze shelters.
24 Residents may contact their nearest CCs on the operating hours and location of the Haze Shelter. If the 24-hour PSI crosses into the Hazardous range, the opening hours of the haze shelters in the CCs will be extended to 10pm.
Safeguarding Singapore
25 The Home Team Departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) calibrate the training and outdoor activities of its personnel according to the 24-hour PSI level. When the 24-hour PSI is in the Very Unhealthy range (or 1-hour PM2.5>150) and above, all Physical Fitness Testing would be suspended and outdoor physical training would be avoided, with indoor air-conditioned alternatives used where possible. Susceptible personnel will be identified and assigned work arrangements with reduced outdoor exposure. The Home Team will continue its operations to keep Singapore safe and secure, notwithstanding the haze situation, and has measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our officers.
26 Should the 24-hour PSI value exceed 200 or 1-hour PM2.5 reading exceed 150μg/m³, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will adopt additional measures for service personnel performing outdoor duties, physical training activities, or those with existing medical conditions that could be aggravated by the haze. Prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities will be avoided, and outdoor physical fitness tests will be postponed or be conducted indoors, if applicable. Service personnel with existing medical conditions that could be aggravated by the haze will don the N95 masks when performing essential outdoor duties. Regardless of haze conditions, the SAF maintains operational readiness to safeguard Singapore.
Advice for Motorists and Commuters
27 The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has advised on the safety precautions motorists should take and how commuters can keep up-to-date with information pertaining to any affected public transport service. Through the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (EMAS) signs and ERP 2.0 On-Board Units (OBUs), motorists are reminded to drive with care and switch on their headlights when visibility is low. Tunnel lighting will also be adjusted where necessary to improve visibility. Commuters will be informed of any train or bus service which has been affected through the MyTransport.SG mobile application as well as other platforms such as Public Transport Operators’ (PTO) and LTA’s social media pages.
Sporting Activities
28 Sport Singapore (SportSG) advises participants and organisers of sport activities and sport facility operators to continuously monitor the air quality and adjust their activities and operations accordingly. Risk assessments should be conducted with due consideration of the relevant health advisories when deciding whether to proceed with activities and operations.
29 When the 24-hour PSI levels cross into the Very Unhealthy range, sport organisers and facility owners should consider modifying or suspending activities held outdoors and in non air-conditioned facilities to minimise prolonged exposure. Organisers of sport activities taking place in air-conditioned environments should review existing risk assessments before continuing with any activities. The 1-hour PM2.5 readings are measured across shorter time frames and reflect the prevailing conditions, and may be used to help activity organisers and individuals assess localised conditions and determine appropriate risk mitigation measures on-site, particularly where vulnerable persons are involved.
30 All ActiveSG Sport Centres are monitoring haze conditions and will adjust operations based on the 24-hour PSI index and the relevant health advisories. Members of the public are advised to check with their respective ActiveSG Sport Centres for updates on temporary facility closures and suspension of programmes and activities.
31 For more information on sport safety and haze management, refer to: https://www.sportsingapore.gov.sg/sports-education/sports-safety/haze-management-at-sport-singapore/.
32 The HTF will continue to monitor the situation closely. HTF agencies will provide further advisories should the haze situation deteriorate.
Issued on behalf of agencies in the Haze Task Force
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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.
| S/N | Agency |
| 1 | Ministry of Digital Development and Information |
| 2 | Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth |
| 3 | Ministry of Defence |
| 4 | Ministry of Education |
| 5 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| 6 | Ministry of Health |
| 7 | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| 8 | Ministry of Manpower |
| 9 | Ministry of National Development |
| 10 | Ministry of Social and Family Development |
| 11 | Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment |
| 12 | Ministry of Trade and Industry |
| 13 | Ministry of Transport |
| 14 | Building and Construction Authority |
| 15 | Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore |
| 16 | Energy Market Authority |
| 17 | Government Technology Agency (GovTech) |
| 18 | Land Transport Authority |
| 19 | Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore |
| 20 | National Environment Agency (Chair) |
| 21 | People’s Association |
| 22 | Public Service Division |
| 23 | PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency |
| 24 | Singapore Civil Defence Force |
| 25 | Singapore Food Agency |
| 26 | Singapore Police Force |
| 27 | Sport Singapore |
| 28 | Singapore Tourism Board |