The haze in Singapore reached its highest levels this year,  with the 24-hour PSI staying above the Very Unhealthy range since early morning on September 24th, and the three-hour PSI breaching the 300-mark by the end of the day.

As a result, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced closure of all primary and secondary schools on Friday, September 25.

Parents unable to make alternative care arrangements may continue to send their children to MOE kindergartens and schools, while school-based care centres will also remain open for existing students.

The Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-level music and higher music practical examinations previously scheduled for Friday have been rescheduled to Tuesday, 29 September.

However, all autonomous universities, namely, junior colleges, centralised institutes and post-education institutes will remain open.

Additionally, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has confirmed there will be no national shutdown of workplaces.

It has advised employers not to compromise on the health and safety of employees, especially those involved in outdoor work.

“Risk mitigating measures should be adopted to make work less strenuous, for example with the use of mechanical aids,” noted a statement by the National Environment Agency.

Employers were also recommended to rotate jobs and schedule more rest breaks for employees performing outdoor work.

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The haze forecast for September 25, Friday is expected to remain in the Very Unhealthy range, and the possibility of the air quality going into the Hazardous range cannot be excluded, added the NEA.

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