Singapore Grand Prix officials have put measures in place to ensure spectators are informed and protected from the high air pollution which has hit the country this week.
A high number of forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia has caused thick smog to descend on Singapore, raising the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) to "unhealthy" levels, according to Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA).
The current reading of between 116 to 128 – although fluctuating wildly depending on the time of day and location – is at a three-year high and well above the reading of 50 which is considered to be "good", whilst 51-100 is ranked as "moderate".
Race officials have said the situation is "not possible to reliably predict" and therefore no changes have been made to the racing or entertainment programme, but they will continue to "work closely with all the relevant government authorities to receive the best possible forecasts when they are available".
A number of measures have however been put in place for the weekend, including medical assistance for spectators feeling unwell, with first aid posts "placed on standby to handle any possible haze-related conditions".
N95 masks will be made available to the vulnerable group such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, as well as those with chronic heart or lung conditions at first aid booths throughout the Circuit Park.
They will also be available for all spectators at a nominal price at merchandise booths throughout the Circuit Park if the PM2.5 reading is at a High level (Band III: 151 – 250) or the 24-hour PSI is at a Very Unhealthy level (201 – 250).
A statement from the organisers added: "In order for our patrons to make informed decisions on the haze situation, the PSI reading and relevant health advisory will be displayed on the Singapore GP website (www.singaporegp.sg), official Singapore GP mobile app, the superscreens between races and broadcast on the in-circuit radio system. The government health advisory will also be posted at all Circuit Park entrances."
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