Singapore releases N95 stockpile as haze drives mask shortages

Singapore's Health Ministry has released N95 masks from its national stockpile to retailers as persistent haze drove a surge in demand and left some stores temporarily short. The ministry said N95 or equivalent masks were available at all NTUC FairPrice outlets and at Guardian, Unity and Watsons pharmacies, and that it was working with Cold Storage, Giant and Sheng Siong to make them available across all outlets by week's end. Officials urged shoppers to buy only what they need. Singapore has endured more than six weeks of hazy conditions, with 16 straight days of unhealthy air, surpassing the 2015 haze crisis stretch. The government began distributing free masks to vulnerable residents last week after PM2.5 readings entered the very high range.