From Tomorrow (2 June) Onwards, Face Shields Cannot Be Replaced for Face Mask Anymore

The debate on whether face shields are as effective as face masks have been put to rest.

It’s not because studies have proven anything, but that MOH has spoken: unless it’s practically impossible to look like a ninja, face shields won’t be allowed from tomorrow (2 June) onwards, when Phase One kicks in.

From Tomorrow (2 June) Onwards, Face Shields Cannot Be Substituted As Face Mask Anymore

There’s a virtual press conference by the multi-ministry task force fighting the Covid-19—

Reader Bao: Is there any 4D number to buy?

Erm, no. And Singapore Pools is still closed. Why?

Reader Bao: Then why always got press conference when there is 0 Singaporean or Singapore PR infected?

Yeah, can buy 4D—ah, I get it. Thanks for the joke and the reminder.

Anyways, Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, director of medical services at MOH, has spoken: even if you’ve a face shield that wraps your head like Tony Stark…

…that won’t be allowed in Singapore.

He said, “Face shields cannot replace masks in the majority of settings to prevent ourselves from being exposed to (Covid-19) infection from others.”

Previously, it had been allowed even though you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in public wearing one.

It’s (and soon to be was) even on the Ministry of Health’s FAQ page:

The reason for the change?

According to Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, there would still be gaps around the facial area if a person wears a face shield, which would render it useless to some extent.

However, some people would still be able to wear face shields without face masks.

They are

• Children aged 12 years and below
• People who have health conditions that may result in breathing difficulties or other medical difficulties when a mask is worn for a prolonged period of time
• People speaking to a group in a classroom or lecture-style setting (i.e. teachers) where they are largely remaining in a single spot from which they are speaking and are able to maintain a safe distance away from people

If face shields replace face masks, they should cover the entire face, from the forehead all the way to the chin. The sides of the face should be protected as well.

But what if you’re caught with a face shield instead of a mask?

Well, firstly, power to you: you’re one who can tahan stares without giving a damn.

And secondly, the authorities would exercise flexibility first since this is a rather sudden change.

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Assoc Prof Mak said, “In the beginning, there will be more opportunities for correction, so some flexibility on enforcement will take place. But if we identify people who are recalcitrant despite encouragement and education, then these are situations where we will have to enforce

“It does not give us joy to penalise someone to wear a mask because the ultimate penalty is to have the person be infected with Covid-19. This is why we are insisting that the wearing of masks to be the default.”

The Debate on Face Shields

Is it really not effective?

Well, there’s been a rather intense debate about this issue.

A journal on JAMA Network suggested the adoption of face shields. A study in 2014 showed that face shields reduce a person’s viral exposure to a cough expelled less than 18 inches away by 96%.

But.

Some doctors seem to say it’s not effective.

According to Professor Teo Yik Ying, dean of the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, it’s because face shields are used to minimise exposure to parts of the face not covered by the face mask.

Face shields should be worn together with masks for effective protection.

Conversely, face masks have been proven to be effective against the spread of the coronavirus.

So whatever it is, just go collect your free masks and forget about wearing this to look cool: