Xinhua reported that Singapore will end its haze mitigation measures as improving weather conditions and a decline in regional haze activity lower the risk of transboundary haze. The National Environment Agency (NEA) said mask distribution at community clubs, public transport hubs and other venues will end at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, and air‑conditioned haze shelters at community clubs and selected residents’ centres will also close at that time. The Ministry of Manpower will lift haze‑related precautions for outdoor workers the same day, while the Ministry of Health will deactivate the Public Health Preparedness Clinic Scheme and Haze Subsidy Scheme from Nov. 12.
NEA stated that Singapore’s 24‑hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged between 56 and 64, placing it in the moderate category as of 7 p.m. local time on Thursday, while one‑hour PM2.5 readings were within the normal range. The agency highlighted that showers and variable winds were expected to suppress haze over the weekend, both within Singapore and the surrounding region.
The announcement came after a series of days during which haze from regional forest fires had regularly reached Singapore. In prior periods, mask distribution began at community clubs, with the National Environment Agency conducting free mask sales and distribution at public transport hubs pursuant to earlier haze‑response protocols. The shelter closures were part of a broader plan to provide air‑filtered environments for residents and staff during high haze periods.
The Ministry of Manpower had issued work‑precaution guidelines that required employers to provide personal protective equipment and reduce outdoor hours for high‑risk workers. Those guidelines have now been rescinded as the NEA determined that the occupational exposure risk had fallen below thresholds set for haze mitigation operations. Employers are advised to continue monitoring local air quality to ensure worker safety.
The Ministry of Health’s Public Health Preparedness Clinic Scheme had offered medical appointments and testing to those experiencing respiratory or cardiopulmonary symptoms linked to haze exposure. The Haze Subsidy Scheme provided financial assistance for purchases of relief and first‑aid items. Both schemes will be discontinued as of 12 Nov. 2026, according to the ministry’s statement, which cited improved ambient air quality and reduced community health impact as key factors for the decision.
NEA’s data on 56‑64 PSI levels has remained within the moderate range for several days, and air‑quality monitoring stations across the island have reported increasingly normal PM2.5 readings. While the NEA confirmed that atmospheric conditions, such as rainfall and wind shifts, were dampening haze over the weekend, it emphasized that the situation remains fluid and will be reassessed on a daily basis. The agency reiterated that its decision to lift mitigation measures was contingent upon ongoing weather patterns and regional haze activity.
Officials noted that the end of haze mitigation measures does not signal the end of all precautions. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local air‑quality alerts and to adjust outdoor activities if haze conditions rise again. NEA pledged to revive any necessary measures should sharper haze episodes re‑appear, underscoring its commitment to public health protection while acknowledging the recent improvement in environmental conditions.
