Following the distribution of reusable masks by the government starting late last month, Singapore residents will be able to get an additional two free reusable masks starting 29 June (Monday).
It is part of the latest Stay Prepared StayMasked initiative by Temasek Foundation, announced in a news release on Thursday.
Where and How to Collect
The MaskSafe DET30™ mask kit, which contains 2 reusable masks will be available for collection from any of the 1,200 vending machines at the following areas:
- Bus interchanges
- Community centres or clubs
- Residents’ committee centres
Residents can collect the masks from 10am on 29 June to 11.59pm on 12 July 2020.
Simply bring along your ID with barcode for verification—or any government-issued identification—for those that apply:
- NRIC/FIN
- Work permit ID/visit pass, or
- Student pass/birth certificate (for children)
*Passports are not supported due to the lack of a barcode.
Each identity barcode has a free quota of one mask kit with a pair of masks.
If you are unable to scan your ID card, you can key in your ID number, in full, manually.
You can also collect these masks on behalf of family members (living in the same household), or friends and neighbours who have difficulty with collection, by bringing along their identification cards.
Safe distancing measures should still be observed during collection.
Collection of free reusable masks from 29 June 2020. | Photo: Temasek Foundation
Where Can I Get More of These Masks?
If you would like to get more of these improved masks, they are available for pre-order on the StayMasked website from 11am on 25 June to 11.59pm on 11 July 2020.
You can only pre-order a maximum of five additional pair of masks, which will cost $8 per pair.
Payment mode will be via the following: DBS PayLah!, PayNow or major credit cards. You will not be able to buy the masks directly at vending machines.
If you are unable to make payment using the specified modes of payment, you can have a family member, neighbour or friend to purchase on your behalf. Alternatively, you can call their hotline at 1800-738-2000 or contact your nearby Community Centre/Club for further assistance.
Once you have made payment, a QR code (that indicates a successful transaction) will be sent to the mobile number used to place the order.
Thereafter, you can collect the masks at any of the 1,200 StayMasked vending machines. If there are insufficient masks in the vending machine of your choice, head to any of the other machines to retrieve the balance.
What Do I Do if I Face Issues with Collection?
In any event where the record says you have collected the mask, but you have not, please contact this hotline 1800-738-2000, from 25 June 2020 to 12 July 2020 (9am to 9pm, excluding public holidays).
A reminder that each resident can collect only one mask kit using either their NRICs, Birth Certificates, or any government-issued identification with a barcode.
Effectiveness of Improved Masks
These masks are said to hold a 94 per cent effectiveness against the Influenza A virus, and appear to look more similar to surgical masks.
Photo: Temasek Foundation
Reusable and washable of up to 30 times, it is advised to wash them prior to usage.
A pair of masks can last an average of two months if you are to wash and wear one daily.
For more information and collection of masks, please visit here.
Locate your nearest vending machine here.
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