As of early last year, using a face mask when a person is outdoors was made mandatory, whereby failure to do so will result in the individual being fined.
We may lament, grumble and question this law, but how much do we really understand about masking up or the consequences of not doing so (other than being slapped with a hefty fine!)? Will it really make a difference in terms of protection? Let’s find out from not one, but two obliging gentlemen, namely Dr. Suria Prakash, Physician & Internal Medicine from Pantai Hospital, Laguna Merbok, and Dr Bernard Chan Yoon Ngen, General Surgeon at Pantai Hospital, Sungai Petani.
NH: Why should people wear masks?
Masks should be used as part of an embracive strategy to suppress transmission and safeguard oneself. However, the use of a mask alone is not adequate to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19.
In addition to wearing a mask, taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, keeping rooms well ventilated, keeping away from crowds, cleaning/disinfecting your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!
Make wearing a mask a standard part of being around other people. The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal of masks are vital to make them as effective as possible.
NH: Can you share with us the basic steps on how to wear a mask correctly?
Dr. Suria Prakash: Hands must be washed before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.
Ensure it covers your nose, mouth, and chin properly.
When you take off a mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask, or dispose of a medical mask in a trash bin.
NH: Are people wearing their masks correctly?
Dr Bernard Chan: Many people are. The awareness of the importance of wearing masks correctly has improved much. However, there are those who feel that they don’t have to wear masks amongst colleagues, friends, or relatives. Sometimes, people feel shy to put on masks when chatting or working with friends or colleagues. This can lead to a chain of transmission of virus in the community. In fact, the only people that we stay without masks are our immediate family members.
NH: Is the practice physical distancing good enough among Malaysians?
Dr Bernard Chan: Yes. The awareness and practice are generally good. One important situation when this is often forgotten is at meals. Physical distancing when sharing meals with anyone who is not in our household is of utmost importance as we are not wearing masks when eating. The best practice is to eat at home or eat alone. It is very difficult to maintain the physical distance of at least 2 meters we should have when we interact without masks for more than 15 minutes at meals.
NH: What are some important lessons that we can learn from this pandemic?
Dr Bernard Chan: We learn that humanity can adapt very fast to new challenges. From physical interactions, we have adapted to online interactions. Being adaptable is the way to survival.
We also learn of the incredible sacrifices made by health care workers in the frontlines. These are people who saved many while taking unknown risks to themselves. These are the heroes of the pandemic era. Salute to them!
Another lesson is that we need to watch our mental health as well as our physical health. While keeping physical distancing helps us survive, we still need to keep our social proximity.
NH: Do you have any advice for the public?
Dr Bernard Chan:
- Wear your masks around ANYONE outside your household.
- Eat at home or eat alone.
- Maintain physical distancing as well as maintain social proximity.
- Get vaccinated when available.
Dr. Suria Prakash,
Physician & Internal Medicine,
Pantai Hospital, Laguna Merbok (PHLM)
Dr Bernard Chan Yoon Ngen,
General Surgeon,
Pantai Hospital, Sungai Petani (PHSP)
