With 10 confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus reported in Singapore, and with fear of a rise in cases over the coming weeks, people have been rushing to buy face masks, with many stores and pharmacies reportedly running out of stocks.
However, the Singapore government has announced it will give four masks to each household, as a one-off measure to allay any fears or concerns that residents may have regarding the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus. Starting progressively from February 1, with planned distribution in each constituency, the entire exercise is expected to be completed by February 9.
The government has also reassured people that there are enough masks, with the Ministry of Health emphasising that healthy people don’t need to wear them.
Who will be given masks?
- Each of the 1.37 million households in Singapore
- All local households in both public and private housing estates
- For homeless people, the People’s Association (PA) representative said that they will find a way to reach out to them to give them masks
How many masks will be given?
- Each household will be given 4 masks, sealed in one bag
- A total of 5.2 million masks will be distributed to the 1.37 million households
Where can the masks be collected?
Residents in public estates can collect the masks at:
- One of the 654 Residents' Committee centres (RCs) or
- One of 89 community centres (CCs)
Residents in private estates can collect the masks at:
- One of 89 community centres (CCs)
When can the masks be collected?
- Saturday, February 1, 2020: 2 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday, Febrary 2, 2020: 10 am to 9 pm
- Residents in public housing can collect their masks from Saturday, February 1 to February 5 at RC’s
- Residents in private housing can collect their masks from February 6 to February 9 at CC’s
- Priority will be given to areas with a higher number of vulnerable residents as well as rental block and Pioneer Generation residents.
What does the public need to bring?
- NRIC – to verify their home address
- The address will be marked and synchronised with other collection centres to prevent multiple queueing or collection
Singapore government has asked residents to keep checking RC noticeboards, digital display panels and social media platforms to stay updated on the progress of distribution.
Just as they did during the fight against SARS, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the People’s Association (PA), will be working together in planning, packing and distributing surgical masks to every family on the island nation.
