KUALA LUMPUR – The usage of double face masks and face shields are not compulsory, but encouraged in high-risk areas such as hospitals, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
In a joint press conference with Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today, Dr Noor Hisham said the United States Disease Control and Prevention Centres found that the wearing of double three-ply masks is more than 90% effective in keeping out viruses.
The health director-general said hospital workers are encouraged to put on N95 masks and face shields, especially those working in Covid-19 wards and intensive care units.
“According to a Lancet report recently, the coronavirus not only spreads via droplets, but it is also airborne. That is why face shields are encouraged in high-risk areas,” he said, adding that fabric masks are not encouraged.
Ismail Sabri said masks must be worn in public spaces, even if an individual is wearing a niqab or face shield.
Under Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988), it is compulsory to put on a face mask in public spaces, he added.
“Face shields and niqab are no excuse to go (out) without face masks. It is still an offence if you do not have on a face mask.” – The Vibes, May 22, 2021
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