Temasek Foundation has announced today that they will be providing one free oximeter for every Singapore household to enable everyone to monitor their blood oxygen levels regularly.

“Silent pneumonia” is one of the most serious consequences of COVID-19, where seriously ill people can feel generally well, despite damaged lungs and dangerously low levels of oxygen. This is where an oximeter can help to alert one to seek medical attention when the levels become dangerously low.

This provision by Temasek Foundation comes under its Stay Prepared initiative to help everyone stay safe, especially with the emergence of new and more infectious COVID-19 variants.

How and where to collect your oximeter

Singapore Post will be distributing a Stay prepared leaflet with a redemption tab to each household’s letterbox between 28 June to 3 July 2021. Simply take the leaflet (complete with the redemption tab) to any of the collection outlets to redeem an oximeter.

Over 300 outlets at NTUC FairPrice (excluding FairPrice Xpress at petrol kiosks), Sheng Siong, Giant, Cold Storage, Watsons, Unity and Guardian are participating in this oximeter collection initiative. Residents can check their nearest collection points and operating hours at www.stayprepared.sg/oximeter.

Collection during store opening hours starts on 5 July and ends on 5 August 2021. Temasek Foundation has assured that there is plenty of stock so there is no need to rush. But residents may want to collect during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

You may collect the oximeters on behalf of other family households, friends or neighbours by bringing along their household leaflets (with redemption tabs).

Using the oximeter

The oximeter is very easy to use. All you need to do is to place it around your fingertip, with the display facing you. Press the button to activate the device and wait for a few seconds for your blood oxygen level reading to stabilise. Two numbers may be displayed. Do not confuse your SpO₂ (blood oxygen concentration) with your pulse or heart rate, which may be a lower number.

The oximeters used in this distribution are manufactured by biotechnology companies Lepu and Yuwell, and will be dispensed based on distributions from the warehouse. Both brands perform the same key function of measuring blood oxygen levels and pulse rates, as such, residents need not be concerned which one they are given.

Do remember to use a disinfecting sanitiser to wipe the oximeter before and after use if you’re sharing the oximeter.

More information on how to use, store and care for the oximeters can be found at www.stayprepared.sg/oximeter.

Image: Temasek Foundation