Singapore tourists urged to take care in heavy smog
Tourists in Singapore are being advised to limit outdoor actitivies as smog reaches record levels in the city-state.
The Singapore Tourist Board said it continues to welcome tourists but is keeping a close watch on the situation.
"In line with the advisory issued by the Ministry of Health, tourists are advised to minimise their exposure by limiting prolonged or heavy outdoor activities," said a spokesman.
"In particular, children, the elderly and those with heart or lung diseases, should seek medical treatment early if they feel unwell. STB is keeping a close watch on the situation."
Air traffic controllers in Singapore have been ordered to work with extra caution and Changi Airport is increasing the time between takeoffs and landings as a safety measure.
Singapore Airlines said no flights have been disrupted to date but it is monitoring the situation and is working closely with the relevant regulatory authorities.
The smog, caused by forest fires on Sumatra island in neighbouring Indonesia, is expected to last for weeks, or even months, due to dry weather and unfavorable winds.
It is expected to hit tourism business, which make up about 5%-6% of the economy.
Air pollution levels are hovering around the 300 mark and earlier this week reached an all-time high of 321.
Any reading above 200 is considered threatening to health.
Drug stores in the central business district have sold out of disposable masks and are refusing to take advance orders.
Singapore and Indonesia held emergency talks yesterday to try to find a solution to the crisis.
Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a message on his Facebook page: "Please stay indoors where possible and avoid heavy outdoor activities. Look out for one another – we will get through this together."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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