TO mask or not to mask, that is the question. Lately, we have seen this debate over and over again with the answers moving back and forth. Even WHO had mixed messages to the public regarding this. So which is best?

Let’s put it this way. In one scenario, you are coughing in the presence of others. Which would be more polite – to be wearing a mask or no mask? Second scenario: you are in the presence of others and someone starts coughing. Which would you prefer – for the person to be masked or not? From the scenarios above, it was claimed lately that the transmission between two masked people from droplets is about 1.5%. This differed from a carrier who was unmasked to a healthy masked contact (70%) and a masked carrier to an unmasked healthy contact (5%). The 1.5% honestly appears to be reassuring percentages but it has to be a scenario where both individuals are masked. 

However, this percentage will only apply if the mask is worn correctly/properly fitting, especially at the nasal area, shaped to follow the nasal bridge and face line with the bottom covering the chin, sides not folded, the coloured portion outside (may differ with different manufacturers, best check the label) and not forgetting the knotting of the upper and lower strings at parallel positions, not crisscrossed (remember no one likes a double-crosser). 

Wearing masks may be a little uncomfortable at first, so it is best to get used to it before the MCO is eased. As for which mask to wear, though the N95 is the best, trust me, it is not as easy to utilise for long hours. It can be very uncomfortable and some may have breathing difficulties thus causing a lack of compliance. My suggestion: leave the N95 for the healthcare workers, the three-ply masks will do you for now. With an abundant supply in the market now, I do not foresee competition with healthcare workers for them. These masks can be bought privately from distributors However, please be cautious about fakes. Always seek the ISO and approval certificates before purchasing. Once the Covid-19 situation eases, one can consider wearing a cloth mask. The culture of going out masked must be adopted by all from then on. 

But remember Malaysians, wearing a mask alone will not ensure you are protected from Covid-19! It offers added protection but you will still need to religiously follow the other protective measures of social distancing, strict hand washing and hand hygiene along with disinfecting materials. 

The other question remains: how will the rakyat afford these masks? This will perhaps require intervention from the government in the form of  a subsidy (monthly) for the B40 group and tax exemption for the M40 and T20 groups. This will ensure that people buy and use the masks and not look upon it as a burden. With this accomplished, policies can be put into place to make it a requirement to wear a mask in public, especially in large event gatherings.

As anxiety and hope mount for the MCO to be lifted soon, an exit plan will be framed for everyone and this must include the need for society to mask themselves. A countriy that had the situation under control since the early days was South Korea. Even without a lockdown, they had no issues containing the spread as culturally, their citizens wear masks when commuting on public transport, when appearing in public places and when unwell. 

Another issue to consider is the hearing-impaired citizens. Will they be able to obtain see-thought masks like those that Indonesia has provided? Are those masks just as safe? That must be looked into especially if we are to do this in the long haul. Also, proper disposal of used masks must be adopted,  perhaps a new bin for biohazardous waste in addition to the three recycling bins.

As the MCO is soon to be relaxed, we must remember to adhere to the guidelines. If there are multiple overlapping guidelines/suggestions, please prefer to adopt the more stringent ones. Remember, if we get another wave, the last few weeks spent in home confinement will account for very little and we could need to return indoors (as has happened in Hokkaido). The healthcare workers have done their bit. It’s now over to you, Malaysia. Let’s make the best of it. 

Mask today, 
Covid-19 gets the touché! 
Remember to practise all preventive measures,
Together we will ease these pressures.

Stay safe, Malaysia! – May 2, 2020.

* Dr Arvinder-Singh HS is a medical officer.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.