Schools still set to reopen: NEA
Schools will reopen as per normal on 1 July based on current haze conditions, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Thursday afternoon.
This was announced during NEA's daily press briefing.
Today's slightly hazier conditions are reflected in the numbers – PM 2.5 readings went up from 40-48 as of 4 pm on Wednesday to 49-58 at the same time on Thursday.
According to NEA, a slight change in wind direction from southeast to southwest has blown some of the smog Singapore's way and this trend is expected to continue for the next few days.
The 24-hour PSI forecast for tomorrow is a moderate 51-100 but the health advisory is based on an "unhealthy" level due to the elevated PM 2.5 numbers.
Those with chronic lung and heart conditions should avoid all outdoor activity.
An NEA spokesman emphasised that the respite from the haze is only a temporary one and warned Singaporeans to be prepared for its return.
A poll of 939 Singapore residents conducted by REACH Singapore revealed that 8 in 10 of them continue to be "very concerned" about haze conditions.
"Don’t hoard the masks"
NEA also sought to assure the public that there is a "constant supply" of N95 masks available and that Singaporeans should not hoard them.
This comes as pharmacies like Unity report that their stocks are low, but are expected to be replenished by this Friday.
Current haze conditions do not require healthy persons to use N95 masks.
The masks are no longer being sold in hospitals so that they can "focus on their core business".
With additional reporting by Nurul Azliah
Related links:
Singapore Haze Watch
Singapore haze clearing up
