Agree that we should keep the surgical as well as N95 masks for our healthcare workers as the top priority, since they face patients every day. Not just covid patients, but also other patients, who need to be protected too.
But we shouldn’t try to demonise the wearing of masks just to preserve the masks for the healthcare workers (HCWs).
Instead, we should be open to the idea of improvising masks for use among the public.
We shouldn’t laugh and snigger at people trying all sorts of protective barriers.
They can be just a plastic shield, or a plastic “curtain” from a hat, a chic designer mask, a simple folded handkerchief, perhaps with a cotton layer in between, a lovingly home sewn mask by grandma or mother.
Whatever we wish to improvise, we should not be made to feel silly or unfashionable.
A full face shield forms a barrier for the eyes, nose and mouth too.
A mask or face shield is no substitute for hand hygiene.
So do wash our hands regularly.
True, a mask or face shield may give a false sense of security and safety. That may lead people to forget the importance of washing hands and safe distancing.
But knowing Singaporeans, the vast majority are conscientious, thoughtful, and disciplined.
Yes, it’s hard to change habits bcos old habits are hard to break.
Let’s double the normal interaction gap between people when we chat. Better still, keep out of arm’s reach.
An air gap fist bump would be better than an elbow bump, and an elbow bump would be better than a handshake.
An air gap fist bump means our outstretched fist can’t touch the other person’s outstretched fist. That would be more than a meter apart.
Let’s keep interactions short and sweet, especially if we come within the safe gap.
So Mind the Gap
Keep it Short and Safe
Wash our hands regularly
Watch for fire risks if we use alcohol sanitisers
Use any mask or shield as we like -
a mask can help to isolate the virus.
A mask helps keep our saliva to ourselves. It also helps to reduce incoming droplets.
So the improvised mask or face shield would serve to isolate the virus, if any, to each of us, however imperfectly.
So don’t feel paiseh if you feel better to put on a mask.
Just try to save and preserve the 4 masks given out by Singov earlier.
This is so that we can put on our surgical mask when we are ill and going to see the doctor.
