- Singapore government reviews stance on use of face shields; only specific groups may use them instead of masks.
- People will have to wear face masks instead of face shields when they leave home, following a review of an earlier policy in which either option had been allowed.
- Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said yesterday that the task force combating the Covid-19 outbreak has decided that face shields are not as effective as masks in reducing the risk of virus transmission.
- An infected person wearing a face shield would be more likely to spread Covid-19 to someone else, compared with a person wearing a face mask.
- Only specific groups will be allowed to wear face shields in place of face masks.
A recently published article in the Straits Times written by Toh Ting Wei brings out the real importance of wearing a face mask and face shield.
Spread is predominant through droplets
Only specific groups will be allowed to wear face shields in place of face masks.
They include teachers, for whom wearing masks while teaching may not be practical. Those with medical conditions which prevent them from wearing face masks, such as those with breathing difficulties, will also be exempt.
” We know that Covid-19 is spread predominantly through droplets,” said Mr Gan.
“While face shields may provide some protection, the design of face shields typically leaves a gap between the face and the shield, which means that the wearer could still be depositing droplets. This is unlike masks.”
Other important points highlighted by Mr Gan
- Children aged 12 and below are also allowed to continue wearing face shields.
- It is uncomfortable for people such as hawkers to wear masks for prolonged periods.
- We know wearing masks is very uncomfortable, especially if you need to wear it the whole day… But it is important to do so.
- All types of masks, including face shields, and reusable and homemade masks, would offer adequate basic protection for the general public.
- The Government had reviewed its policy in line with the partial lifting of the circuit breaker starting today, which would lead to more contact between people at the workplace and in the community.
Mask wearing is default
Face shields may continue, however, to augment the use of masks but the mask wearing will be the default.
If a face shield is worn, it has to be worn in such a way that it is worn properly to cover the entire face from the forehead to below the chin, wrapping around the sides of the face.
Associate Professor Mak said flexibility will be exercised initially in enforcing the wearing of masks. The aim of enforcement officials will be to educate and encourage people to do the right thing, he added.
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Source: The Straits Times
