More important to wash, sanitise hands frequently than to wear face masks

IT IS more important to wash or sanitise hands than to wear face masks in preventing Covid-19 spreading in schools.

Teachers should do their part by reminding students to sanitise their hands more frequently and avoid touching their face. Any student having symptoms should wear a face mask, get tested and isolate if testing positive in line with the Health Ministry's TRIIS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek) system.

There is no need for a face mask mandate in schools. Only students with symptoms or a medical condition that may put them at high risk, should be wearing face masks.

As an added preventive measure, schools can get their teachers and students to self test themselves on Sunday evenings ahead of school on Monday. But this should only be for a brief period to prevent any outbreaks in schools after the Hari Raya holidays.

Aside from this, we wish to advise parents to encourage their children to keep themselves healthy by observing a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking up sports activities as these simple steps will help them build a strong immune system – the body's natural defence against illnesses.

Vaccination, wearing face masks and sanitising hands are not the only important components in managing Covid-19.

We also have to take steps to look after our health – a key point that hasn't been sufficiently emphasised. A person with a weak immune system will have an increased risk of severe Covid-19.

DR MURUGA RAJ RAJATHURAI

PRESIDENT,

MALAYSIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION