Double-masking: MOH shares how to do it effectively


PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry (MOH) has shared effective ways of wearing double face-masks, citing the best practices of America’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had on Saturday (May 22) said the wearing of double face masks was encouraged, although it wasn’t mandatory.

On Sunday (May 23), the MOH shared the CDC’s research on the subject, which said that double-masking would substantially reduce exposure to Covid-19.

The CDC recommended double-masking by using a surgical mask on the inside and a cloth mask on the outside.

According to the CDC, this method provides up to 85.4% of protection compared to 56.1% when wearing a single surgical mask.

A cloth mask alone blocks 51.4% of protection, while a knot and tucked surgical mask offers 77% protection.

"While wearing two face masks can make breathing slightly more difficult but generally, the use of a three-ply surgical mask with a cloth face mask can be worn by most users and does not reduce oxygen supply to them," said MOH.

The CDC says that N95 masks are the gold standard and can filter up to 95% of particles, so no doubling of face masks are required.

For the guide, visit https://kpkesihatan.com/2021/05/23/panduan-ringkas-pemakaian-pelitup-muka-berganda-double-face-mask-oleh-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-cdc-amerika-syarikat/

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Two injured in restaurant fire in Jalan Tun Sambanthan
Media Mulia must protect staff during restructuring review, says MMM
Deepavali: Traffic generally smooth on major highways, slow-moving at few stretches
AG must resign over mishandling of Najib's house arrest order, says Johor Umno Youth chief
Deepavali: Ministers, deputy minister�urge unity, harmony and road safety�
Thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for four states until noon
Eurovision brings pop and politics to Asia
Melaka polls: Adam Adli urges young voters to make fact-based decisions, not be swayed by sentiment
Malaysia facing increasingly complex cybersecurity risks
M’sia diaspora in Qatar conducts evacuation drills for war threats

Air Pollutant Index

Note: API is calculated based on 24hr running average of the most dominant parameter.

Highest API Readings

    Select State and Location to view the latest API reading

    Others Also Read