Vital to wear masks correctly, say health experts

PETALING JAYA: Masks or face coverings worn in response to Covid-19 should cover both your mouth and nose, say public health experts.

Malaysian Public Health Medicine Specialist Association president Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the mask should fit snugly on the face, and not dangle loosely at the nose and mouth areas.

“This is because Covid-19 is transmitted by droplets from a person’s mouth that enter through the nose, mouth and eyes, although it is rare.

“So the proper way to wear a face mask for protection from or prevention of the spread of the virus is to cover both the nose and mouth, ” he said.

On those wearing the mask incorrectly, such as allowing it to dangle below the nose or allowing it to hang loosely below the chin, Dr Zainal Ariffin said it did not offer any protection at all.

“It can become a source of infection due to contamination from either Covid-19 or other agents and contaminants, ” he said.

Lauding the government’s move to make it compulsory to wear a mask at crowded places and on public transport, he said those who needed to remove their mask temporarily should store it in a clean place, without anyone touching it.

“They can wrap it with tissue before putting it in the pocket, handbag or on the table, ” Dr Zainal Ariffin said.

Universiti Malaya public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Victor Hoe concurred, saying that one must ensure their hands were cleaned with either soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask.

“Make sure you don’t touch the inner surface of the mask.

“Before you wear your mask, check the inner surface to see if it is clean, ” he said.

He added that wearing a mask or face covering would protect others from getting the virus if one was sick.

He said that while it was recommended for everyone to wear a face covering when in public areas, wearing it wrong simply defeated the purpose.

“Wearing a face mask in public is a responsible thing to do, ” he added.

On the government’s ruling for all to wear a face mask in crowded public places and on public transport, Dr Hoe said everyone should continue to practise the new norm, especially during the movement control order period.

“Wearing a mask is a small sacrifice.

“As responsible citizens, we should continue to embrace the new norm as many countries still have not had the virus under control.

“I feel sad that we need the minister to remind us of our responsibilities, ” he said.

He added that people should continue observing social distancing, maintaining hand hygiene and wearing a mask.

The ceiling price for face masks would be reduced to RM1.20 from RM1.50 per unit beginning Aug 15, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said the wholesale price for the product would also be reduced from the current RM1.45 per unit to RM1.15 from the same date.

“Based on the ministry’s surveillance and monitoring, face mask production and distribution are sufficient and supported by import.

“So, there is no supply issue, ” he said during question time at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. —Bernama