Staying safe: Many commuters on public transport still choose to mask up although it is no longer mandatory. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Despite it no longer being mandatory to wear a mask on public transport or in healthcare facilities, health experts say doing so is still beneficial.
They say it not only prevents Covid-19 infections but also mitigates the catching of upper respiratory tract illness (URTI).
“It is still a good practice to wear a mask. You can unknowingly protect yourself from other infections that spread through the air, namely URTI.
“This includes the cough and cold or influenza that travels through fine droplets in the air,” said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh.
She said those with flu-like symptoms should wear a mask to prevent spreading any potential URTI infections.
Masks were encouraged when one enters congested locations such as when using public transport services, she added.
Dr Sharifa said those in locations with a higher Air Pollutant Index or high temperatures should also wear a mask to reduce any particulate matter from entering their respiratory system.
“Children who are constantly unwell, perhaps due to weakened immune systems, should wear masks as they can easily get affected.
“Those entering healthcare facilities are also advised to mask up there given the higher risk of being infected with viruses other than Covid-19,” she added.
Association of Specialists in Private Medical Practice of Malaysia president Datuk Dr Balwant Singh Gendeh said those who had yet to receive their boosters or have not completed their primary Covid-19 vaccinations were also advised to wear a mask.
“People have to be aware and acknowledge their status. If they are not yet vaccinated, do wear a mask,” he said.
Dr Balwant said those using public transport, which can sometimes be packed to the brim, were also advised to wear a mask.
“This applies more towards the elderly and those with comorbidities or weakened immune systems,” he said.
Wearing a mask could also prevent the transmission of flu, said Dr Balwant, who is a Fellow at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
Earlier, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said masking up was no longer compulsory in public transport or hospitals effective Wednesday.
However, she said that people with respiratory symptoms were encouraged to mask up to avoid spreading infections on public transport.
Covid-19 positive individuals and those handling them are, however, required to wear face masks in healthcare facilities.
The Health Minister also said the isolation period for Covid-19 patients had been shortened from seven to five days.
This was in view of studies which showed that infectivity was high in the first five days from the onset of symptoms, when the viral load was high.
