> Quick view: From 14 October 2026, eligible Singaporeans can collect free N95 masks (2 per pack) with an NRIC at 113 community clubs and 37 vending machines islandwide. Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors, CHAS Blue and Orange, MFEC holders and ComCare recipients can use either; pregnant women, children aged 7 to 16 and people with conditions like asthma must go to a CC. Air-conditioned haze shelters are open at CCs and some RC and RN centres. Find your nearest point at gowhere.gov.sg/hazemask.
The Government has switched on its N95 mask distribution earlier than planned. In its 9 October haze statement, NEA said the People's Association would start giving out masks once the 24-hour PSI entered the Very Unhealthy range (above 200). On the afternoon of 14 October, the 1-hour PM2.5 reading jumped to the Very High band in the west, and NEA said that, given the chance of the 24-hour PSI crossing 200, distribution would start now. At 6pm, the 24-hour PSI read 124 to 182 across the five regions (Unhealthy), and NEA forecasts Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy for 15 October.
Who can collect, and where
| Who | Vending machines | CC counters |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Generation | Yes | Yes |
| Merdeka Generation | Yes | Yes |
| CHAS Orange or CHAS Blue cardholders | Yes | Yes |
| Medical Fee Exemption Card (MFEC) holders | Yes | Yes |
| ComCare Assistance recipients | Yes | Yes |
| Pregnant women | No | Yes |
| Children aged 7 to 16 | No | Yes |
| People with medical conditions (e.g. asthma) | No | Yes |
Each eligible person gets one pack of two N95 masks on showing their NRIC. A family member or friend can collect on their behalf with the eligible person's NRIC.
The 113 CC counters
HazeMaskGoWhere listed 113 community clubs handing out masks over the counter on 14 October, every one marked "stocks available" when we checked at 6pm. Most open 10am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday. These 14 open 2pm to 6pm only: Aljunied, Brickland-Tengah, Bukit Batok, Chong Pang, Dover, Gek Poh Ville, Hwi Yoh, Marine Parade, Marsiling, Nee Soon Link, Pasir Ris Central, Punggol West, Sembawang and Woodgrove CCs. Check the map before you go, as the list may change.
The 37 vending machines
The machines sit at bus interchanges and MRT stations (including Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bishan, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Hougang, Jurong East, Punggol, Tampines, Woodlands, Yio Chu Kang and Yishun interchanges, and Boon Lay, Serangoon and Toa Payoh MRT), outside Social Service Offices (Boon Lay, Bukit Merah, Clementi, Hougang, Jalan Besar, Kreta Ayer, Punggol, Queenstown, Sembawang, Serangoon, Tampines, Yishun and the former Ang Mo Kio SSO site) and at a handful of CCs, RCs and RNs. Most run 24 hours, with a few switched off overnight.
They are still being rolled out. At 6pm on 14 October, HazeMaskGoWhere showed only one machine live (Tampines SSO at Our Tampines Hub, Level 4 near Lobby B), with the other 36 not yet available. NEA says the machines are "being progressively deployed" from the evening of 14 October and stocks will be topped up regularly, so if you are going tonight, a CC counter before 6pm is the safer bet.
Haze shelters
Air-conditioned rooms at community clubs and selected RC and RN centres are open as haze shelters for anyone who wants a break from the smoke. Opening hours vary, so call your nearest CC for the room and timing. If the 24-hour PSI goes into the Hazardous range (above 300), shelter hours will be extended to 10pm.
Do you actually need to wear one?
NEA's advice has not changed. N95 masks are generally not needed for short exposure such as commuting to school or work, or when you are indoors. Vulnerable people (the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic heart or lung disease) may wear one when the forecast is Very Unhealthy and they must be outdoors for several hours. Healthy adults should consider one when the forecast is Hazardous and they will be outside for hours. People with severe lung or heart problems who struggle to breathe should ask their doctor first, and anyone who feels uncomfortable should take the mask off for a break.
If you are not eligible, retail stock is patchy but not gone. NEA says retailers' warehouses and Government stockpiles have enough, and our N95 price check lists who had boxes in stock this week.
This article summarises NEA's and HazeMaskGoWhere's published terms as of 6pm on 14 October 2026. It is not medical advice. Locations and stock change through the day, so confirm at gowhere.gov.sg/hazemask or with your CC before you travel.
