KUALA LUMPUR – Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today reminded the public to continue wearing masks despite the country’s current transition phase into Covid-19 endemicity.
He said although a large proportion of the population had received the primary dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the practice of wearing of face masks and physical distancing should continue for every individual.
“This is to protect the high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, individuals with low immune systems and individuals with co-morbidities,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Noor Hisham said according to the World Health Organisation, the wearing of face masks was among the preventive measures that can reduce the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, especially in high-risk infection areas such as enclosed areas with poor ventilation, crowded places and places where individuals engage in close interactions.
He told wearing of face masks was the best practice for any two individuals who are in close contact, as well as for a virus carrier and a healthy individual, because the risk of transmission is very low.
“There are individuals who were not aware that they have been infected with Covid-19 as they were asymptomatic.”
“As such, the Health Ministry would like to call on the public not to be complacent and continue to wear face masks as the SARS-CoV-2 virus can easily spread through respiratory droplets.”
Dr Noor Hisham added the proper use of face masks was by covering the nose and mouth completely.
He said the public must play their role by reprimanding individuals who did not wear face masks or did not wear them properly.
“The practice of reminding one another is no stranger to our culture. It is a good practice that promotes solidarity,” he added.
Source: NEW STRAITS TIMES
