SINGAPORE - There have been 13 confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus reported in Singapore, all of whom involve Chinese nationals from Wuhan. As concerns over the virus spread, Singaporeans have been flocking to buy masks, with many stores and pharmacies running out of stock.
The Government has said that there are enough surgical masks in the stockpile, if they are used when needed. Healthcare institutions have to get priority, but as a one-off measure, more than five million masks will be released to households.
Here are five things that you need to know about how to collect your masks.
1. Who will the masks be given to?
The Government will give more than 5.2 million masks to over 1.3 million households. Each household will get four masks. All local households in private and public housing estates will be eligible.
This is a one-time government measure.
2. When can the masks be collected?
Mask collection will start progressively from Saturday (Feb 1), according to the distribution plan by each constituency. It is expected to be completed by Feb 9.
Residents in both public and private estates can collect their masks from 2pm to 10pm on Saturday, and 10am to 9pm from Sunday to Feb 9.
Priority will be given to areas with a higher number of vulnerable residents as well as rental block and Pioneer Generation residents.
3. Where can I collect my masks?
Residents living in public and private estates can collect them at one of 654 residents' committee centres (RCs) and one of 89 community centres (CCs) progressively from Saturday.
For details on when and where to collect their masks, residents should check their community noticeboards, digital display panels and the Government's social media platforms.
4. What do I need to bring for verification?
You will need to bring your NRIC to verify your home address.
5. How can I obtain more information on the mask distribution process?
You can check RC noticeboards, digital display panels and social media platforms on when and where to collect the masks.
