Let the mask mandate remain for a while more

VARIOUS public health experts have expressed their views on the mask mandate in light of the current threat of infection from Covid-19. Granted, the danger now is much less than it was a year ago. It has been reported that the number of patients warded in ICU facilities nationwide has declined from a peak of 1,502 last year to 68 currently. This is certainly good news.

Much of the credit must go to the health authorities for their continued vigilance and implementation of effective preventive measures.

The public must also be credited for the high rate of compliance with these measures, particularly the wearing of masks.

While wearing masks is no longer a requirement in open areas, it is still mandatory in closed places like offices, hotels and eating premises.

The question now is whether it is time to further relax this rule, as Singapore is now contemplating.

In my opinion, the answer is no, not yet. Nobody is safe until everybody is safe.

Our death rate per million is three times that of Singapore’s.

We have to be prepared for a possible new wave as stated by our Health director-general, especially as our borders are now open and foreigners and Malaysians can travel freely.

Wearing masks is our first line of defence. Without masks, we become vulnerable, so we must continue wearing them properly as long as the infection rate remains at an unacceptable level.

Removal of the mask mandate is a matter that can only be determined after close monitoring of our Covid-19 infection and mortality rate and guided by official data.

And, of course, we must also be fully vaccinated. We must do whatever is necessary to strengthen our immune system.

We have to be physically active and avoid activities and habits that compromise our ability to fight infections.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Alliance For A Safe Community