Residents in Singapore can now collect free masks at 15 CapitaLand malls and selected supermarkets across the island. Both surgical and N95 respirator face mask box sets are available for collection.
This is the fifth month-long collection exercise undertaken by Temasek Foundation. It is also the first time medical-grade disposable masks such as the N95 respirator face mask is being distributed for free.
Free Face Masks Ready For Collection For Singapore Residents
Image source: iStock
With the rise of more infectious COVID-19 variants recently, Temasek Foundation started this free face mask collection exercise to keep Singaporeans safe and healthy.
You can visit this website once the collection drive starts. Once on the website, select the "Mask collection" option and you will be asked to enter your mobile phone number. You will then receive updates via SMS when it is your turn to collect the masks.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind when getting your free N95 respirator and surgical face mask:
How many face masks can you collect?
Each household is allowed to collect 50 medical-grade surgical masks and 25 N95 respirator masks that'll come packed in boxes.
Where can I get free face masks?
There are more than 130 collection points. You can check the official StayMasked website for updates on collection hours and current stock levels.
Out of the 15 participating CapitaLand malls, 11 will offer digital queue systems for shoppers to join the queue virtually, while being able to check the length. You can collect these masks at the customer service counters of the malls from 11am to 8pm.
You can also collect masks at Jewel Changi Airport's concierge counter on Level 1.
Alternatively, you can get them at selected Sheng Siong, Prime, Cold Storage, Giant supermarkets and all 9 FairPrice Xtra outlets. You can pick up the free face masks at any participating Cold Storage outlets and customer service counters at 5 Giant outlets.
Why use a surgical or N95 respirator face mask?
Surgical and N95 respirator face masks have 95 per cent particle filtration efficiency or better. This means they can filter out at least 95 per cent of particles between 0.1 and 0.3 microns in size, while the COVID-19 virus is about 0.1 microns.
Temasek Foundation has previously said that medical-grade masks can be either be used alone or as an added layer of protection on top of reusable masks. It added that high quality masks can help in suppressing infection rates "by reducing the level of viral loads being emitted or breathed in."
Those with flu-like symptoms have even been recommended to wear a surgical mask when visiting a doctor.
A few other important reminders
Residents are reminded to keep their physical or electronic SP Group residential utility bill handy. Alternatively, you can also keep your account numbers ready when visiting the collection points.
You can also help your friends and neighbours collect the masks. This is as long as you have their SP residential bills or account numbers.
Image source: iStock
Surgical And N95 Face Mask Collection Locations Getting Ready To Assist Customers
Supermarkets have been busily preparing for the delivery of the masks ahead of the collection exercise which began on 26 August.
FairPrice has also put in place floor markings at checkout queues, in-store posters and announcements to remind customers to maintain safe distancing.
A CapitaLand spokesman tells The Straits Times that more than 500 staff members have been volunteering to help with the mask collection exercise.
The DFI Retail Group that manages both Cold Storage and Giant has said that it prepared signs to redirect customers in the event that the masks have been fully redeemed.
Step-By-Step Guide On Collecting Your Own Free Surgical And N95 Respirator Face Mask Boxes
If you're planning to collect your own surgical and N95 respirator face mask boxes, here's a quick guide to how you can:
- Visit this website to check the nearest collection point to you as well as collection hours and stock levels of masks.
- Don't forget to bring your Singapore Power (SP) residential bill or have your account number ready.
- Take note that no bags will be provided, so it is best to bring your own bag to store the masks you collect.
Temasek Foundation has also assured the public that each collection point has a steady supply of masks and will be restocked when needed.
The foundation adds, "Although a collection point may run out temporarily, there is sufficient stock available, and residents can either visit the next nearest collection point or come back on another day."
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