SINGAPORE - People will have to wear face masks instead of face shields when they leave home, following a review of an earlier policy in which either option had been allowed.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Monday (June 1) that the task force combating the Covid-19 outbreak has decided that face shields are not as effective as masks in reducing the risk of virus transmission.
"We know that Covid-19 is spread predominantly through droplets," said Mr Gan.
"While face shields may provide some protection, the design of face shields typically leaves a gap between the face and the shield, which means that the wearer could still be depositing droplets. This is unlike masks."
So an infected person wearing a face shield would be more likely to spread Covid-19 to someone else, compared with a person wearing a face mask.
Only specific groups will be allowed to wear face shields in place of face masks.
This includes teachers, as it might not be practical for them to wear face masks while teaching. Those with medical conditions which prevent them from wearing face masks, such as those with breathing difficulties, will also be exempt.
Children below 12 years of age are also allowed to continue wearing face shields.
The Ministry of Health had earlier said that all types of masks, including face shields and reusable and homemade masks, offer adequate basic protection for the general public.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...-option-for-people-when-out-face-shields-dont
