Starting from the 1st of August, the wearing of face masks would be made compulsory and frankly, it’s a long way coming. Our Health DG also reminded us that when the wearing of face masks are made mandatory in public areas, those who violate this order can be fined RM1,000 or face jail time.
However, not everyone should and can be wearing face masks. For some people, it actually poses a health risk. The Ministry of Health Malaysia shared a tweet on the groups of people who shouldn’t be wearing face masks.
1. Children below the age of 2
The wearing of face masks isn’t really suitable for small children as it increases the risk of suffocation. Similarly, small children will express their discomfort and will try to remove their masks by touching it constantly, thus making it pointless altogether.
However, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, children below the age of two can wear “cloth face coverings” fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials.
2. Those with breathing difficulties
If you suffer from mild asthma or well-controlled asthma, it’s probably not going to be an issue but if your breathing difficulties are extreme, it might cause you more issues.
When you find yourself struggling with a mask with breathing difficulties, you should constantly maintain social distancing and avoid travelling in public places.
3. Anyone who is unconscious
To further explain, this does not mean, you shouldn’t be wearing a face mask when someone is unconscious but instead when someone is unconscious, you should remove their masks.
4. Anyone who’s disabled or can’t remove the mask on their own
If you’re in a situation where you’re incapacitated or unable to remove the mask without assistance, then you shouldn’t be wearing a mask.
This also applies to people who are deaf or hard of hearing as they rely on lipreading to communicate. You can always opt for a transparent face shield to make it easier to communicate while still staying protected from the virus
Another important point to note is that face masks are not meant to be shared with anyone no matter how much you love the person. If you’re wearing the mask, make sure to wear it properly and also dispose it correctly!
Also read: Health DG: If Wearing Face Masks Are Made Mandatory, Offenders Will Be Fined RM1,000 Or Jailed
