Singapore residents can collect improved reusable masks during an upcoming nationwide mask distribution exercise, from 26 May to 14 June 2020.
These masks are made of higher protective qualities and also more comfortable to wear for long periods of time according to Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing in a Facebook update on 6 May.
Who is Eligible for Improved Reusable Mask Collection?
All Singapore residents with a government-issued identification card with barcode will be eligible to collect masks: one reusable mask per person.
This will include foreign domestic workers, foreign workers not living in dormitories and international students living in hostels, excluding foreign tourists, said the People’s Association in a news release (21 May).
Residents will have to bring their ID with barcode for verification, for those that apply:
- NRIC/FIN
- Work permit ID/visit pass, or
- Student pass/birth certificate (for children)
Where and When Can I Collect the Masks?
It is encouraged for one person to collect the masks on behalf of family members (living in the same household). Simply produce their IDs for verification.
From 26 May to 1 June 2020 (10am to 6pm)
There are designated places for masks collection at collection counters
- All 109 Community Clubs (CCs)
- All 661 Residents’ Committee Centres (RCs)
From 26 May to 14 June 2020 (Open 24hrs)
- Vending machines at all CCs — Self-collect at your convenience
Here is a handy guide:
The improved reusable masks are available in two mask sizes, in both adult and children sizes.
Residents with adult identity cards (above 12 years) can only collect adult-sized masks, whereas children with identity documents (12 years and below) can collect either an adult or kid-sized mask.
For the latest updates on the collection of masks and availability in vending machines, do check out MaskGoWhere here. Stay tuned for actual collection details on 23 May 2020.
Better Bacterial Filtration
The government has been working with local manufacturers and A*STAR in creating these masks with improved materials.
It is said that the new reusable masks have better bacterial filtration “without compromising on breathability”, said Professor Alfred Huan from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) to CNA.
According to A*STAR, the masks can be hand washed with mild detergent and fully air-dried.
“This can be done up to 30 times while maintaining its integrity.”
A reusable face mask produced by Ramatex in collaboration with A*Star. | Photo: via AsiaOne
Sustainable Solution in Tackling Pandemic
From the previous round of mask distribution, it was “clearer” that wearing masks would help minimise COVID-19 transmission according to the Minister.
As such, producing more masks are in Singapore’s pipeline to better prepare Singapore residents in face of the pandemic, which could extend for longer than expected.
Producing and stockpiling reusable face masks would also provide Singapore with a more sustainable solution as compared to relying on surgical masks.
The government is currently building up on the supply of these improved reusable masks and will work with People’s Association and Temasek Foundation to distribute them to all residents in Singapore once there are sufficient stock.
The masks can be collected at community centres and residents’ committee centres, similar to previous masks distribution exercises. And now for the first time, residents will also get the option to get them from vending machines.
Photo: Screengrab from Youtube / CNA
View Minister Chan Chun Sing’s post here:
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