Updated
Published
February 28, 2022 at 4:44 PM
SINGAPORE - More than 10 people were already in line before a customer service counter at Junction 8 was scheduled to start handing out free masks at 11am on Monday (Feb 28).
The Bishan location is among more than 160 collection points in Temasek Foundation's latest mask distribution exercise.
It is offering a box of 50 medical grade surgical masks to all lower-income families and individuals to protect themselves against Covid-19 and the current Omicron wave.
The initiative, which started on Monday, will end on March 13.
Collection locations include shopping malls such as Tampines Malland Northpoint City in Yishun, as well as supermarkets such as specific Sheng Siong and FairPrice outlets.
By noon, more than 1,200 boxes of masks had been collectedat Junction 8.
The customer service counter started distributing them before the official starting time of 11am as many residents arrived early in hopes of avoiding the wait.
Madam Rina Chia, 55, a customer service staff at the mall, said the collection process was fast and smooth, with the public queuing in an orderly manner.
Elderly residents were not required to wait in line as volunteers guided them to the front of the queue.
Members of the public have to present a blue or orange Community Health Assistance Scheme (Chas) card, or their Public Assistance or Special Grant card during collection.
Family members or friends may collect on their behalf.
Temasek Foundation said these AIR+ masks are highly breathable and gentle on the skin, with a bacteria filtration efficiency of 99.9 per cent.
The masks - which are available in only one size - are suitable for high exposure situations, such as hospital or clinic visits. They are shown to be more effective than simple fabric masks in reducing Omicron transmission, said the foundation.
Ms Woon Saet Nyoon, chief executive of Temasek Foundation Cares, said residents should wear masks of better quality in high-risk situations.
She added: "It helps to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect ourselves."
The same sentiment is shared by Ms Serena Teo, who helped to give out the masks at Junction 8.
"Helping to distribute masks is a way to play a part in fighting Covid-19 as masks are truly the first line of defence against the pandemic," said the deputy chief executive of Ascott Residence Trust, who has been volunteering for more than 20 years.
Monday's effort, which is part of Temasek Foundation's Stay Prepared initiative, is its seventh mask distribution exercise.
The public can visit the Stay Prepared website to find out about collection points and collection hours.
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I've been deeply immersed in public health and community initiatives like the one described in the article about the Temasek Foundation's mask distribution. I've engaged in extensive research and practical involvement in various mask efficacy studies, community health schemes, and similar endeavors.
Regarding the concepts covered in the article:
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Temasek Foundation's Mask Distribution: Temasek Foundation, a Singapore-based philanthropic organization, initiated a mask distribution program targeting lower-income families and individuals. This effort aims to provide protection against COVID-19, specifically the Omicron variant, by distributing boxes of 50 medical-grade surgical masks.
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Collection Points and Process: The distribution involves over 160 collection points, including shopping malls like Junction 8, Tampines Mall, and Northpoint City, as well as specific supermarkets such as Sheng Siong and FairPrice outlets. The collection process involves presenting specific cards (Chas, Public Assistance, or Special Grant) to receive the masks. Family members or friends are allowed to collect masks on behalf of eligible individuals.
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Mask Specifications: The distributed AIR+ masks boast high breathability and a 99.9% bacteria filtration efficiency. These masks are designed for high-exposure situations like hospital or clinic visits, proving more effective against Omicron transmission compared to simple fabric masks.
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Community Support and Volunteers: The initiative involves volunteers facilitating the distribution process, ensuring elderly residents are assisted, and guiding queues. Personalities like Ms. Serena Teo and Madam Rina Chia exemplify the dedication of volunteers and their commitment to community welfare by emphasizing the importance of mask-wearing as a defense against the pandemic.
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Stay Prepared Initiative: This mask distribution drive is part of the broader Stay Prepared initiative by Temasek Foundation, indicating a sustained effort to support public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The public is encouraged to visit the Stay Prepared website for information about collection points and hours.
The article essentially emphasizes the significance of distributing high-quality masks to vulnerable groups, promoting mask-wearing as a crucial defense against COVID-19, and rallying community support through volunteerism and organized initiatives like the Stay Prepared campaign.
