The haze is back, and that also means that everyone’s lifestyles would revolve around ensuring that it doesn’t pollute their lungs any further.
At a time like this, certain websites are sure to see a surge in traffic, so we decided to compile a list of websites and online shops that will thoroughly benefit from the current situation.
aqicn.org
As compared to the 3 and 24 hour forecast that is provided by NEA, the website is used by a lot more Singaporeans because it provides hourly updates, which often vary vastly from official figures.
When it comes to things like weather and air conditions, 3 hours is a huge time frame, so the numbers many of us actually need to make our decisions (when to go out, if to even do so) should be as up-to-date as possible.
The number at time of writing is pretty horrifying, and it is advised that you try to stay indoors as much as possible.
Thank You For The Clean Air
It was a comment that took on a life of its own.
After Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla responded to complaints of their forest fires by saying, “For 11 months, they enjoyed nice air from Indonesia and they never thanked us. They have suffered because of the haze for one month and they get upset,” the Internet went nuts.
What took the cake though, was the creation of thankyouindoforthecleanair.com, which, in all of its kitschy, 90s-internet glory, allows visitors to “thank” Vice President Kalla, to which he’ll return the gesture:
As hilarious as the concept is, there’s a still a silent prayer that comes with each click that the forest fire problem can be curbed once and for all.
znx.cc.psi
Yet another PSI tracking site.
Deceptively minimalist in design, the creator of this website is also offering hourly updates of our PSI levels.
Calculations of the difference in levels are also listed on the site, so we can freak out take note of the trends and act accordingly.
Not only that, for those of us who want push notifications of when the PSI level goes above an unhealthy 100, a chat bot on Telegram is also available.
Food Delivery Websites
Given that most of us would rather not brave the smog to get our meals today, food delivery websites and their corresponding apps would very likely see a surge in orders.
Before you think that we’re sacrificing someone’s health for our own, it’s heartening to know that some of these companies do ensure that their riders are well-equipped with N95 masks, or, in the event of unhealthy levels, suspend the services altogether.
Personally, I do hope that the companies ensure that their riders are getting the protection they need, or even suspend the services if PSI levels hit the fan.
Us running out to get a meal with a mask on for 5 minutes isn’t much as compared to how riders are exposed to for hours on end.
Online Shops Selling Masks
We’ve all heard about the past years’ mad rush for N95 face masks.
In fact, the situation was so bad in 2013 that the stock in pharmacies islandwide were sold out, with popular chain Guardian needing to issue a 10 masks per pax limit.
Eventually, the Ministry of Health (MOH) needed to step in and assure the public that it was refreshing its stockpile of masks.
The demand for masks are probably at a high right now, and given our love for online shopping and fear of being exposed to the air, it won’t be surprising if bulk orders are being placed at this very moment.
HR staff in offices around Singapore are most likely also taking the online route, so if you’ve always wanted to try your hand at online entrepreneurship – this might be a good chance. (P.S. you might also want to include other haze-related items)
For those afraid that the masks sold online aren’t legitimate, MOH advised the public to approach the distributors if any doubts ensue.
Furniture Shops Selling Air Purifiers Online
For those who want to do a little more to keep out the haze, air purifiers are an option an increasing number of families are taking up.
Though exponentially more expensive than getting a mask, air purifiers are reported to help remove the pollutants and nasty things that are in the air, so you can feel safe in the comfort of your home.
According to Dr Philip Koh, a general practitioner who is also chairman of the medical board at Healthway Medical Group, consumers are advised to buy one that’s equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (Hepa) filter, as they will be the only ones effective against small particles present in the haze.
If you want a list of air purifiers with a stamp of approval from NEA themselves, check out the list here.
Take Care Of Yourselves (And Others Too)
The haze is back in full force, and there doesn’t seem to be an indication that it would be going away soon, so please remember stay hydrated and indoors as much as possible!
The air outside might be horrible, but we need not feel that way.
