The people of Singapore would reportedly receive better-quality reusable masks as soon as the government starts its third exercise of mark distribution in the country.
Chan Chun Sing, Trade and Industry Minister, Singapore, stated that the new cloth-based masks would have better filtration abilities and would be more breathable.
The government, over the past few weeks, has been working alongside local manufacturers as well as A*Star in order to improve upon the materials utilized for creating the reusable cloth masks.
Similar to the two past rounds of mask distribution, the people of Singapore would be able to collect the new masks from the residents’ committee centers and the community centers. Furthermore, people would now also be able to collect their masks from vending machines.
Chun Sing further stated that the distribution of the mask would take place near the end of the circuit breaker period and that more details would be unveiled at a later date.
Meanwhile, an update regarding the mask production capabilities of Singapore was provided. The country has been increasing its local production of surgical masks from February in order to guarantee that the supply to healthcare workers is uninterrupted.
The demand for masks globally has increased in the past few months as countries are fighting a battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, lockdowns abroad have further put the capability of countries to manufacture and export under pressure.
While the local production capacities are designed to meet the requirements of the healthcare workers of the country, there are several other issues that need to be dealt with, which includes attaining raw materials so as to produce masks.
Chun Sing added that it’s not simply about having machines and manpower to manufacture the masks, but is also about having the ability to secure a supply of raw materials that is sustainable.
Source credit: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singaporeans-be-given-improved-reusable-masks-third-nationwide-mask-distribution-exercise