ON May 1 the Ministry of Health shared guidelines on mask wearing as the nation transitioned to the endemic phase.
Among others, the guidelines state that wearing of masks is compulsory when inside a building (including shopping malls) and when using public transportation, including e-hailing rides.
However, when outdoors and in open areas, face masks are optional but encouraged. Masking up is also encouraged in crowded spots like bazaars and night markets.
Unfortunately, some Malaysians have taken this to mean that they can throw caution to the wind and act like the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
Adding to this problem is the incorrect usage of masks - masks pulled down to the chin, not properly covering the nose and mouth and those that don't provide a good fit and adequate protection.
STILL IMPORTANT
Experts agree that as the Covid-19 virus is found in respiratory droplets, face masks are important to prevent the airborne spread of the disease.
Dr Muhammad Shazril Shaharuddin says face masks are not only for Covid-19 protection. People forget that cases of influenza-like illness and upper respiratory tract infections, are also on the rise throughout the nation.
"Wearing a face mask helps protect us from these airborne illnesses too. While wearing one outdoors is no longer mandatory, prevention is always better than cure. So why don't we mask up to protect ourselves and our loved ones?" he says.
Medicos Malaysia founder William Wong agrees with Dr Shazril. With the relaxation of physical distancing, wearing a face mask remains our last line of defence against Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.
Dr Shazril adds that besides washing hands regularly and maintaining good hygiene, masking up will reduce the risk of contracting other airborne diseases, especially in enclosed and crowded places.
Furthermore, where Covid-19 is concerned, some people may be asymptomatic and do not know that they have been infected, hence masking up can prevent them from spreading the disease to others.
Wong says even though 96 per cent of Covid-19 positive patients now stay at home to recover in two to three days, it does not mean that the disease won't spread to family members, co-workers or friends, who may be elderly or are immunocompromised.
"We all have an obligation to protect the vulnerable in our community."
Meanwhile, Dr Shazril says the country is also facing outbreaks of diseases, such as monkeypox, hand, food and mouth disease, as well as influenza.
These infectious diseases decrease productivity and burden the economy because sick employees are forced to take medical leave and children miss out on school.
STAY VIGILANT
Given that Covid-19 keeps on mutating, it is challenging to predict how severe or infectious it is going to be.
Dr Shazril says this is why people must be vigilant at all times. Avoid the 3Cs, namely crowded places, confined spaces and close conversation, and practise the 3Ws, which are washing hands with soap and water regularly, watching the distance with one another and, most importantly, wearing a face mask.
"I would never want to go through another lockdown. Hence if we practise all these, it would be a good protective measure no matter what Covid-19 variant hits us."
He adds that for an individual to keep his face mask on for prolonged periods, it is important that he chooses one that provides a good fit, good breathability and comfort. It makes a huge difference to keep it on the face without frequently removing it to breathe.
Unfortunately, complacency is setting in among Malaysians, who assume that since a large percentage of the population has been vaccinated, they can lower their guard or walk around unmasked.
With Covid-19 cases rising again and the nation preparing for a new wave with the emergence of the Omicron BA.5 sub-variant, it's not the right time to remove our face masks.
Dr Shazril says we have not won the war against Covid-19 yet.
"Prevention is better than cure, so mask up properly with a comfortable face mask and, if possible, all the time in public places."
CHOOSE RIGHT
• It's a misconception that the thicker the face mask, the better the protection. A thick face mask can make it difficult for a person to breathe.
• The more uncomfortable a face ma,, , the higher the likelihood of an individual removing it frequently, thus increasing his risk of infection.
• Aim for an optimum balance between protection, breathability and comfort when choosing a face mask.
• Use a respirator face mask when you are in a crowded space with a high risk of Covid-19 exposure and minimal physical distancing.
• Use a surgical face mask in an environment that allows sufficient physical distancing with good air ventilation.
• Change your face mask every four hours for hygiene and protection.
Source: Medicos
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