[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – Picking up the new reusable face masks was a straightforward process for many Singaporeans on the first day of distribution by the Temasek Foundation on Monday (November 30).
Those with whom The Straits Times spoke said the vending machines were easy to use as they simply had to select their mask size and scan their ID card to redeem it.
Each person is entitled to a free mask kit, which contains one pair of reusable masks and three mask filters.
A total of 1,200 vending machines are located across the island, with collection points in more than 800 locations, including bus interchanges, community centers and resident committee centers, as well as the Temasek Shophouse and Plaza Singapura, in this third round of distribution of masks by the foundation.
When ST visited the Chong Pang Community Center and the Nee Soon Central Community Center on Monday morning, there were small lines of five to six groups of people at each vending machine.
Staff and volunteers were also deployed to most locations on the island to help users select the correct mask sizes.
The masks are available in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra large, and the small ones are intended for children under the age of eight.
A resident who wanted to be known only as Mr. Goh, 67, who collected a large mask for himself at the Chong Pang Community Center, said that having staff nearby helped him select his size more accurately.
Another resident, who declined to be identified, was collecting masks for herself and her daughter.
“I had no problem determining the size of the masks, as I often buy masks for the family, so I have a good idea of what to buy,” he said.
The girl said that she had selected medium-sized masks for herself instead of the small ones, as her mother had suggested that they save them for future use, when the current ones wear out.
Angela Koh, 61, who works in acquisitions, was collecting masks for herself and her mother-in-law at the Hwi Yoh Community Center.
She felt this round of mask distribution was timely, and she hoped the masks would be as comfortable as previous ones delivered by the foundation.
“I have been wearing the masks delivered by Temasek in the previous round of distribution, which have come loose from frequent washing, so it is time for a change,” he said.
She chose an L-size mask for her, as her measurements were close to medium-size, but it could cover a larger area of her face, especially her chin.
However, some had a difficult time choosing the correct size for their family members.
A 56-year-old human resources consultant who gave her name as Ms. Low picked up a medium-sized mask for her mother at the Marine Parade Community Center. She said she found the mask to be loose, even after using the measurement guide for reference.
“My mother’s face is very small, so the mask slides down when she speaks,” he said.
The mask distribution exercise will end on December 13. You can find more information at stayprepared.sg/masks.
[ad_2]
