JOHN O'BRIEN Reuters 13 Sep 15;
Since the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix in 2008, drivers have been routinely quizzed about how they would cope with a tropical downpour during the only Formula One race held entirely under floodlights.
After seven years of bone dry races, the answer still remains a mystery, but a different hazard could possibly threaten this year's race, scheduled for Sept. 20.
A dense cloud of haze has been hanging over the city-state of Singapore for the past week, a result of farmers in neighboring Sumatra burning forests to clear their land for agriculture.
An annual occurrence, the smog is currently rated under the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) as being in the mid to low range of "unhealthy" air quality, but race organizers are monitoring the situation in case it worsens and effects driver visibility.
"The possibility of haze is just one of the many potential issues that are covered in the overall 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix Contingency Plan," a Singapore GP spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
"The plan was formulated and refined with stake holders, government bodies and the Formula One community.
"In the event that the haze caused visibility, public health or operational issues Singapore GP would work closely with the relevant agencies before making any collective decisions regarding the event."
A number of local sports events in Singapore were canceled this weekend because of health risks and the Singapore National Environment Agency told Reuters that the PSI levels were likely to remain in the "unhealthy" range for the next week.
"There has been a deterioration in the haze conditions in Singapore since early this morning, as the prevailing winds continued to blow in haze from Sumatra," the NEA said.
"As at 11 a.m. today, the 24-hr PSI was... in the low to mid sections of the unhealthy range."
Neither the NEA or race organizers would speculate on whether next Sunday's night race around the Marina Bay street circuit, could be effected if the smog worsened.
The Singapore Grand Prix is the 13th race of the season and defending world champion and last year's winner Lewis Hamilton will be a strong favorite to extend his championship lead, currently 53 points, with an eighth victory of the campaign.
(Editing by Julian Linden)
Outdoor businesses take a hit with hazy conditions
Outdoor businesses have taken a hit following hazy conditions over the past week, but they are also taking steps to protect their customers from the bad weather.
Kimberly Spykerman Channel NewsAsia 14 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE: Outdoor businesses have taken a hit following hazy conditions over the past week, but they are also taking steps to protect their customers from the bad weather.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said hazy conditions are expected to persist for the rest of Sunday (Sep 13), and continue into Monday.
The September school holidays usually mean brisk business for outdoor futsal facility Zion Sports, but hazy skies have kept people away.
"If I were to compare last September and this September - we were almost full last September in terms of kids bookings, secondary school kids, even university kids are trying to play here in the mornings. But for the past week itself, the haze PSI just got too high and a lot of them didn't want to play. Plus, they also cancelled their bookings here,” said Zion Sports’ Operations Manager Nicholas Yeo.
Mr Yeo said business dipped between 40 and 50 per cent this week. Still, the company is going the extra mile for its customers.
"Instructions were given for us to call them up prior to the booking timings - where we monitor the haze PSIs. As long as we reach 120 and above, we'll give them a call to let them know they've got a choice - whether they want to continue playing here at Zion sports or they want to postpone. And on our side, we actually postpone it for free,” said Mr Yeo.
Similarly, bicycle kiosk Cycle Max at East Coast Park has also seen a 40 per cent drop in customers over the past week, and things have only worsened over the weekend.
"Today it's even worse. Our business dropped by 70 per cent. And on the other hand, we're trying to attract customers to rent bicycles. We provide customers with free face masks and inform them at the counter that we provide face masks,” said Mr Simon Tan, Operations Manager at Cycle Max.
At Toa Payoh Central, stallowners at an outdoor market told Channel NewsAsia that over the past week, human traffic has been slower and business less brisk, especially on the days PSI readings go up. They said this may be due to the fact that with the hazy conditions, people may prefer to stay indoors.
But those who decided to head out were not taking chances, deciding to don masks to shield themselves from the haze.
"I have asthma so I'm being more careful, as the weather has not been good with the haze,” said a member of the public.
As of 6.00am on Monday, the 24-hour PSI was between 139 and 166, in the Unhealthy range, while the 3-hour PSI stood at 88.
It added that the situation could deterioriate on Monday, as current unfavourable winds may blow in denser haze from Sumatra.
NEA said in the recent haze episode, haze pollution has occurred under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act that was passed in 2014, as the 24-hour PSI has remained in the unhealthy range for over 40 hours – since 10am on Sep 10.
NEA added that it is closely monitoring the hotspots and smoke plumes from fires in the region and is investigating the situation.
- CNA/dl
Haze could cloud F1 spectacle this weekend
NOAH TAN Today Online 14 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE — As the Republic gears up to host the eighth edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix this week, the threat of haze continues to loom over the three-day event, particularly with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hitting the range of “unhealthy” air quality over the past few days. The National Environment Agency has said that PSI levels are expected to remain in that range this week.
While Formula 1 fans here are worried about the health hazards posed by the haze, some told TODAY that they are determined to get their money’s worth, while others are adopting a wait-and-see approach. Tickets to the three-day motor racing and entertainment extravaganza cost between S$68 (single-day walkabout) and S$2,128 for a three-day premier grandstand pass.
“I do have my concerns about the haze affecting the race, as it might impair my view of the action,” said Mr Justin Cheong, 24, who will be seated in the pit grandstand. “But my main concern is that it might get uncomfortable in the stands, especially if people around me aren’t feeling well. I will definitely take precautions if the haze worsens, but I won’t sacrifice my ticket.”
Added marketing and communications executive Amanda Tan: “I’ll probably still attend since it’s a special opportunity to catch the races and the concerts. I’m a big Bon Jovi fan so the haze isn’t going deter me from watching them. I’ll try to bring a mask along with me, even though it will be quite cumbersome.”
While the PSI levels are threatening to go into the “very unhealthy” range, some fans are waiting to see how the haze situation develops before deciding on their next course of action.
“I’m sure there will be precautions and measures taken by the organisers, such as increased medical coverage, so I’m not too worried, although I would reconsider attending if it really deteriorates,” said Ms Ng Zheng Ning, 24.
While race promoters Singapore GP had previously said that haze was one of the “potential issues” covered in its contingency plan, social media manager Farid Ismail, 28, is hoping they will provide a refund to spectators if the PSI readings head into the “very unhealthy” (201 – 300) level.
“It would be foolish to risk my health just to catch the F1,” said Mr Farid. “So, hopefully, we can get our money back for the tickets if the haze becomes dangerous because it wouldn’t be fair on us to suffer for something we can’t control.”
While local driver Yuey Tan, who is competing in this weekend’s Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, said the haze will not have a significant impact on the race action, he believes it could affect spectator turnout. Race promoters revealed last month that ticket sales to the night race had increased by 11 per cent from the same stage last year — more than 84,450 tickets were sold each day for the 2014 edition.
“This might deter people from coming down to the Marina Bay Circuit to catch the races, especially if the condition of the haze gets worse this coming week,” he said. “This will be a problem for the organisers because a lot of money has been spent to prepare Singapore to host the event every year. If fewer fans turn up this year because of the haze, it won’t do Singapore’s economy any good at all.”
Other drivers such as Ringo Chong are keeping their fingers crossed that the haze will lighten up this weekend. “Hopefully the PSI will not be too high when the race comes about because there will be decreased visibility for the drivers during the race,” said Mr Chong, who drives for Team Kangshun in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.
“The driver’s breathing might also be affected ... It’s almost like trying to smoke while exercising, and being able to breathe properly is very important in a physically demanding activity like motorsport racing.”
Outdoor businesses take a hit with hazy conditions
Outdoor businesses have taken a hit following hazy conditions over the past week, but they are also taking steps to protect their customers from the bad weather.
Kimberly Spykerman Channel NewsAsia 14 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE: Outdoor businesses have taken a hit following hazy conditions over the past week, but they are also taking steps to protect their customers from the bad weather.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said hazy conditions are expected to persist for the rest of Sunday (Sep 13), and continue into Monday.
The September school holidays usually mean brisk business for outdoor futsal facility Zion Sports, but hazy skies have kept people away.
"If I were to compare last September and this September - we were almost full last September in terms of kids bookings, secondary school kids, even university kids are trying to play here in the mornings. But for the past week itself, the haze PSI just got too high and a lot of them didn't want to play. Plus, they also cancelled their bookings here,” said Zion Sports’ Operations Manager Nicholas Yeo.
Mr Yeo said business dipped between 40 and 50 per cent this week. Still, the company is going the extra mile for its customers.
"Instructions were given for us to call them up prior to the booking timings - where we monitor the haze PSIs. As long as we reach 120 and above, we'll give them a call to let them know they've got a choice - whether they want to continue playing here at Zion sports or they want to postpone. And on our side, we actually postpone it for free,” said Mr Yeo.
Similarly, bicycle kiosk Cycle Max at East Coast Park has also seen a 40 per cent drop in customers over the past week, and things have only worsened over the weekend.
"Today it's even worse. Our business dropped by 70 per cent. And on the other hand, we're trying to attract customers to rent bicycles. We provide customers with free face masks and inform them at the counter that we provide face masks,” said Mr Simon Tan, Operations Manager at Cycle Max.
At Toa Payoh Central, stallowners at an outdoor market told Channel NewsAsia that over the past week, human traffic has been slower and business less brisk, especially on the days PSI readings go up. They said this may be due to the fact that with the hazy conditions, people may prefer to stay indoors.
But those who decided to head out were not taking chances, deciding to don masks to shield themselves from the haze.
"I have asthma so I'm being more careful, as the weather has not been good with the haze,” said a member of the public.
As of 6.00am on Monday, the 24-hour PSI was between 139 and 166, in the Unhealthy range, while the 3-hour PSI stood at 88.
It added that the situation could deterioriate on Monday, as current unfavourable winds may blow in denser haze from Sumatra.
NEA said in the recent haze episode, haze pollution has occurred under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act that was passed in 2014, as the 24-hour PSI has remained in the unhealthy range for over 40 hours – since 10am on Sep 10.
NEA added that it is closely monitoring the hotspots and smoke plumes from fires in the region and is investigating the situation.
- CNA/dl
Schools ready for the worst, as PSI set to become ‘very unhealthy’
AMANDA LEE Today Online 14 Sep 15;
SINGAPORE — The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index on the first day of school after the term break is expected to be in the mid to high sections of the unhealthy range, and may tip into the very unhealthy range — above 200 — if unfavourable winds bring in denser haze from Sumatra.
The National Environment Agency first gave this update just after 6pm yesterday, when the 24-hour PSI was 126 to 146, the low to mid sections of the unhealthy range. By 1am, it had gone up to 143 to 168, with the three-hour PSI at 222.
Thundery showers forecast in the late morning and early afternoon today may bring only a short, temporary respite, noted the NEA.
The current haze is the worst in two years, and several public events scheduled for yesterday were cancelled. The Singtel-Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer was called off the night before “for the safety and health of runners, volunteers, staff and beneficiaries”, said organisers. The POSB PAssion Run For Kids had its 10km Adults’ Competitive race and Kids’ Run categories pulled from the line-up at 5am, when the 3-hour PSI was 147.
However, as the focus shifts to pupils heading back for classes today, schools and parents seem prepared, with precautionary measures at the ready.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools have a continuity plan in place to ensure the well-being of students and staff during a haze situation.
For example, teachers will be on the lookout for students who are unwell and ensure that they receive prompt medical attention.
“Schools are ready to respond and take appropriate haze management measures based on a set of guidelines corresponding to the health advisory,” the MOE said on its website. Some principals told TODAY their schools have masks and air purifiers, which would be used when the need arises.
Ang Mo Kio Secondary principal Abdul Mannan said his school has more than 10 air purifiers and a list of students with respiratory problems. The school will install them in those students’ classrooms if the PSI reaches the very unhealthy level.
He added that the school will use the 24-hour PSI range to decide on its contingency plans. “If it (remains) consistently high, then we’ll do something about it. That’s why we always use the 24-hour number as a more accurate gauge,” said Mr Abdul.
Punggol View Primary principal Kelvin Tay said that when the PSI is in the unhealthy range, the school reduces strenuous activities and moves Physical Education lessons indoors.
His school will issue a letter today to inform parents about their plans to deal with the haze situation.
Mr Tay added that parents should also be mindful of their children’s condition. “It’s important that the children are hydrated and to encourage them, if they feel uncomfortable, to wear a mask,” he said.
Parents TODAY spoke to have been equally prepared for the worsening haze situation and are hoping schools act accordingly.
Mr Adrian Koo, whose son is in Primary Four, was worried that the haze might cause health issues for students. “For the entire school holiday period, we have kept him indoors,” said the 38-year-old. “Schools should stop all PE lessons or sport activities until the haze situation improves.”
Human resource practitioner Shirley Tan, however, is not “too jumpy” about the haze situation, compared to the record high three-hour PSI of 401 in June 2013.
Still, the 42-year-old, who has two children aged nine and 11, has masks at home for her children to wear “if they are having respiratory problems” or if the PSI level reaches “close to 200”.
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