SINGAPORE - Around 2,000 grassroots volunteers will be trained over the next four weeks in the first nationwide awareness programme about the haze and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers). The programme is organised by the People's Association.
They will learn facts about the haze and Mers, tips on health care and personal hygiene, preventive measures to reduce the risk of being infected by Mers, and ways to build their immunity against the haze.
Such training is to help volunteers be familiar with the issues, and effectively communicate this to residents during regular house visits.
The first of four sessions was held on Saturday, with about 300 grassroots volunteers from Pasir Ris West grassroots organisations. To ensure that needy residents are taken care of too, about 300 essential packs were distributed to them. Items in the packs include haze and Mers advisories, N95 masks, thermometers and hand sanitisers.
Said Mr Justin Foo, chairman of the Community Emergency and Engagement Committee Council executive committee: "As a grassroots movement, getting our residents prepared for emergency situations is instrumental in ensuring the well-being of our nation. The training today will dispel myths about haze and Mers. If every Singaporean takes responsibility for their personal hygiene, we should be able to overcome the threat of infectious diseases spreading within Singapore."
