Singapore ( CNN ) -- Singapore breathed a sigh of relief Sunday as changing wind patterns created a pocket of clearer skies from a haze of choking fumes . Pollution levels measured by the Singaporean government dipped sharply after all-time record levels hit Friday . The fumes were blamed on plantation fires in neighboring Indonesia . Small pockets of people ventured back out to the streets in neighborhoods such as Ang Mo Kio , but many donned filter masks to help with the foul-smelling haze . Masks quickly sold out at stores when the pollution hit last week . But by Sunday , officials handed out emergency supplies of free masks at community centers . Although haze levels have receded , officials warned that the smoke could make a strong comeback in the coming days , and may linger for months . That could have serious health implications , said Philip Eng , a professor of respiratory medicine at Mt . Elizabeth Medical Centre . `` In my patients , I have seen an increase ( in consultations ) by about 30 % or so , '' he said , particularly among older people with chronic conditions . `` But we are still in early days , '' he said . `` If this thing drags on for a month , I wo n't be surprised if more people get hospitalized . '' Many usually crowded cafes along the waterfront sat empty Saturday , with too few customers to stay open . But a scattering of tourists braved the haze to take photos at the city 's iconic Merlion fountain . The smell of the burning peat and wood was distinct . `` We 're used to fog , but this was a real 'pea souper ' , '' Briton expatriate Tom Fairburn said . `` It smells like a pile of burning tires next to a bonfire , not pleasant . '' It 's hard to predict the final economic impact of the haze on Singapore 's economy . One Asia-Pacific brokerage firm put the potential toll in the hundreds of millions . CLSA said that the economy had taken a $ 300 million-hit in lost tourist income , closed offices and construction downtime in 1997 -- the previous all-time high in pollution . The current situation could be far more costly , it said . Transport officials warned ships to be extra vigilant in the teeming straits between Singapore and Sumatra because the haze made it difficult to see other boats . It is easy to see the neighboring island from the beaches in Singapore . But the view was not as clear in the past few days , with ships peeking in and out of the thick haze Saturday . Local shop owners felt the crunch . In one beach side shop , the owner looked forlornly into the horizon as bikes that would normally be rented out stood in stacks .
Pollution levels dip sharply in Singapore . Small pockets of people venture back out to the streets in some neighborhoods . Score: 6