Time flies.
It has been more than two years since the first COVID-19 case landed in Singapore on 23 January 2020.
Due to the outbreak, the then Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong mandated that everyone has to wear a mask once they step out of the house from 14 April 2020.
Since then wearing masks has become like second nature to us.
In my opinion, there’s no harm getting a few more masks as we will probably have to live with COVID and wear masks for the next few years or so.
Unfortunately, that is an expense that we have to deal with.
But wait, I have some good news for you.
Temasek Foundation and its partners are supporting the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Singapore to offer one free box of 50 AIR+ medical grade surgical masks to Singaporeans with either Blue or Orange Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) cards, and others with Public Assistance/Special Grant cards from over 160 collection locations island-wide.
This Stay Prepared initiative supplements the distribution of AIR+reusable masks with N95 grade filters, that were distributed last month to all Singapore residents.
Here is all you need to know about the initiative!
TL;DR: Where to Collect Your Free Temasek Masks (Air+ Surgical Masks)
Who is Eligible For These Free Temasek Masks?
If you were wondering, only Singaporeans with either Blue or Orange CHAS cards, and others with Public Assistance/Special Grant cards can receive these free masks.
As of 15 February 2022, there are about 4,000 recipients of ComCare Long-Term Assistance who have been issued their Public Assistance/Special Grant cards. Singapore citizens and permanent residents may apply for Public Assistance/Special Grant cards. Only Singapore citizens may apply for CHAS cards.
For the uninitiated, check out our CHAS card article if you would like to learn more about CHAS:
What Masks Are Being Given Out?
These AIR+ medical grade surgical masks offer high levels of protection.
According to Temasek, these masks are tested to ASTM Level II standards for hospital-grade surgical masks, these three-ply masks filter 99.9 per cent of bacteria and over 98 per cent of particles. The outer layer is resistant against bodily fluids, and the inner layer absorbs moisture and respiratory emissions.
The masks are also gentle on the skin, as they are made from hypoallergenic materials.
More importantly, these AIR+ surgical masks are about 40 per cent more breathable than most other high-quality surgical masks in the market.
These masks are suitable for the general public to use in specific higher risk or higher exposure situations, such as visiting a clinic or hospital. Do remember to dispose of them properly for hygiene and public health reasons.
But for the minority of highly vulnerable folks such as those who are immunocompromised, you may wish to consider using N95 grade masks when going to higher risk or higher exposure situations, such as visiting clinics or hospitals or going to crowded places.
All masks come in one standard adult size, so no measurements are required.
Free Temasek Air+ Surgical Masks Collection Date
You can collect your masks anytime from tomorrow (Monday), 28 February 2022 to Sunday, 13 March 2022.
Mask Go Where?Free Temasek Air+ Surgical Masks Collection Locations
The masks can be collected at over 160 collection points, comprising of select CapitaLand, Frasers Property, and City Developments Limited shopping malls, and participating supermarket outlets of Sheng Siong, NTUC FairPrice, Prime Supermarket, Cold Storage, and Giant.
Source: Temasek FoundationNote that not all malls or supermarkets are collection points.
You can simply head over to the Stay Prepared site to locate your nearest collection points using your postal code, the stock levels as well as collection hours.
Let me show you how this works.
First, key in your desired postal code and hit ‘Submit.’
Once you have clicked submit, you will be presented with the mask collection information you need:
You may also keep an eye out for the posters at the participating collection points.
What to Bring For Mask Collection
To collect your free masks, you will need to bring along and present either your Blue or Orange CHAS card:
Or your Public Assistance/Special Grant card:
If you hold one of these cards, you may also collect the masks with your NRIC number as well.
One more thing.
If you are not free to go down or are not too mobile, you may get your family members and friends to collect on your behalf, by bringing their respective cards to any of the collection points island-wide.
Note that your family members or friends must have the authorisation to collect masks on your behalf.
They may also collect the masks with your NRIC numbers as well.
Reminder: It is a crime to misuse another individual’s card or NRIC number to falsely represent such authorisation to collect the masks.
