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After the emergence of new and infectious COVID-19 variants in Singapore, the Temasek Foundation will be giving out a free oximeter to every household in the country for precaution, from July 5 to August 5, 2021.
“The COVID-19 virus can cause blood oxygen levels to drop to dangerously low levels, even when you have no other symptoms," according to a June 24 press release.
There's hope that the oximeter will encourage Singaporeans to monitor their blood levels regularly since “silent pneumonia” is a serious consequence of COVID-19.
Early signs of deterioration in health can be detected with the device.
IMAGE: Temasek.com
Upon receiving the Temasek Foundation leaflets by July 3, Singaporeans are advised not to discard them because the redemption coupon for the oximeters is printed within.
Among the 300 supermarkets and pharmacies giving out free oximeters, Singaporeans can visit NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Giant, Cold Storage, Watsons, Unity, and Guardian just to name a few.
IMAGE: The Straits Times.
To use the oximeter, simply clip the device onto your fingertip and press the activation button. From there, the numbers will be displayed after waiting a few seconds.
95 percent and above indicates a healthy blood oxygen level, whereas 90 percent and below requires immediate treatment for dangerously low blood oxygen level.
IMAGE: Yahoo News
IMAGE: The Straits Times
Temasek Foundation has advised Singaporeans to visit the emergency department should their oxygen levels dip below 90 percent.
Additionally, the oximeter might be slightly inaccurate when reading trembling hands or when the user is wearing nail varnish. Blood oxygen level readings shouldn’t be used as a replacement for a COVID-19 test, the FDA Safety Communication said.
Have you gotten your free oximeter yet?
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Cover image sourced from The Straits Times.
