If it’s your turn to be the designated member of the household who goes out to buy essentials or if you’re working in an essential sector itself, take note! You don’t have to wear a mask when your out driving on your own during MCO and here’s why:
According to a Facebook post in Public Health Malaysia, citizens who are out driving on their own don’t need to wear 3-ply surgical face masks if they’re not showing any symptoms of illness. In fact, the post even went as far as to say that wearing this protective gear is unnecessary and wasteful because:
- It’s just you in the car
- Not touching your face and keeping its cleanliness is more important
- It doesn’t lower your risk of getting infected
“Generally, social distancing is more than enough. It is not necessary to wear a mask but some of us overdo it despite the advisory given (by health authorities),” said Health Director General, Dr Noor Hisham, at a recent media briefing while updating the public on the status of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, as reported by the Star.
While the government has declared that they would provide free masks for those who need it, Malaysians need to be reminded that this protective gear should be reserved for frontliners, those with symptoms of Covid-19 or those who are taking care of or find themselves in close contact with the ill and should not be used unnecessarily.
With this protective gear already limited in supply, let’s save it for those who actually need it. If it’s just you and your car, and you aren’t ill, don’t waste a mask by wearing it!
Also read: Beware: Klang Snatch Thief Violently Grabs Woman’s Handbag As She Lines Up To Buy Face Masks