When are schools closed because of haze?

Each government and school decides. Singapore's Haze Task Force said school closures would be considered when the next-day air-quality forecast exceeds a 24-hour PSI of 300 (CNA, 9 October 2026); in Malaysia, schools have closed in areas where the API passed 200.

Who counts as vulnerable in haze?

NEA's guidance singles out the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with chronic lung disease or heart disease. They should avoid strenuous activity from Band 2 (above 55 µg/m³).

Is it safe to exercise outdoors in haze?

It depends on the 1-hour PM2.5. Up to 55 µg/m³ normal activities are fine; at 56–150 reduce strenuous exercise; at 151–250 avoid it; above 250 minimise all outdoor activity (NEA). Vulnerable people should avoid strenuous activity from 56.

Children, school PE and recess in haze

Children count as a vulnerable group in NEA's guidance. At 56–150 µg/m³ keep activity light and short; above 150 keep strenuous activity indoors. Children with asthma should have an indoor alternative at any Elevated reading.

Singapore now · as at 10:00 SGT

100 µg/m³ · Elevated (1-hour PM2.5, NEA official, worst region)

Light activity only, shorten outdoor time, indoor alternatives for asthmatic kids.

Check your area →

What to do at each level

By 1-hour PM2.5 (µg/m³) band
Band	Healthy adults	Vulnerable people
Normal 0–55	Normal outdoor activities.	Normal outdoor activities.
Elevated 56–150	Light activity only, shorten outdoor time, indoor alternatives for asthmatic kids.	Light activity only, shorten outdoor time, indoor alternatives for asthmatic kids.
High 151–250	Keep children indoors; no strenuous activity.	Keep children indoors; no strenuous activity.
Very High ≥251	Keep children indoors; no strenuous activity.	Keep children indoors; no strenuous activity.

Basis: Aligned with NEA's guidance (children are a vulnerable group); school decisions are made by schools and ministries.

What schools can do

Move running games and sport indoors, shorten outdoor time, keep water available, and allow children with breathing problems to stay in.

What parents can do

Check the 1-hour reading before after-school sport, keep windows closed at home when the reading is above 55, and ask the school or coach about its haze plan.

Closures are not our call

Whether a school closes is decided by the school or education ministry; see the FAQ on school closures for what has been reported.

Steps

Check the 1-hour PM2.5 for the school's region.
Up to 55: normal outdoor activities.
56–150: light activity only, shorter time, indoor option for asthmatic children.
Above 150: keep strenuous activity indoors.

Sources

NEA 1-hour PM2.5 readings (Singapore) — National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore · official site · API / docs
haze.gov.sg regional haze situation and outlook — NEA, drawing on the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre · official site

More guides

Sports training and matches in haze · Running and cycling in haze · Commuting and masks in haze · Windows, purifiers and indoor air during haze · Drying laundry outdoors in haze · Outdoor dining and events during haze · Pets in haze

General information, not medical advice. Follow your doctor and your school, league or organiser's final call. Data come from official sources; see data sources.