HSA Has Updated The Mask Guidelines; Masks Shouldn’t Be See-Through When Held Against Light

In light of the recent rise in community cases, it’s time to re-evaluate and take stock of the masks that we wear when we go out. 

Are they able to adequately protect us from the seemingly higher levels of transmission, especially with the presence of new variants of the virus? 

Before the rise in community cases, we may have taken to wearing masks as something of a fashion statement, opting for masks with quirky and stylish designs, or parodying as a celebrity with the classic black mask, sunglasses and cap starter pack. 

But it’s time to take mask-wearing a whole lot more seriously now. 

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), members of the public are now encouraged to wear masks that offer better protection. These include masks with better filtration efficiency. 

Here’s a run-through of the updated guidelines for the use of masks. 

HSA Has Updated The Mask Guidelines; Masks Shouldn’t Be See-Through When Held Against Light

According to MOH, members of the public are advised to wear face coverings such as surgical masks or reusable masks that are made of at least two layers of fabric. 

MOH has also shared that reusable masks given out by the People’s Association (PA) and Temasek Foundation have good filtration efficiency. 

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has released the following guidelines to take into consideration when choosing a mask: 

• Masks that have at least two to three layers of fabric. A general guideline to adhere to is that the mask should not be see-through when it is held against the light. 
• Layers should ideally be made with different fabrics, including a water-repellent outer layer, a middle filter layer for the removal of particulates, as well as an absorbent inner layer to absorb droplets from the wearer’s mouth. 
• Fabrics that have better filtering efficiency and are sufficiently permeable to allow breathing. 
• Mask should fit well around the face and chin, providing absolute coverage of the nose and mouth to prevent exhaled droplets from escaping. 

The HSA has also advised the public not to wear masks that contain exhalation valves, because such masks allow exhaled droplets to escape, exposing others around the wearer to the risk of transmission of the virus. 

Additionally, plastic spit guards as well as face coverings like neck gaiters, bandannas, scarves or handkerchiefs do not count as proper masks. 

According to MOH, face shields are also unable to replace masks as it does not afford adequate protection from infection via droplets. 

Hence, face shields should only be used in medical exceptions, such as in the case of children who are 12 years of age or younger, or by a wedding couple solemnising their marriage.

To know more about masks and how they can prevent a second Circuit Breaker, watch this video to the end:

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