Health Ministry clarifies double-masking measure

 

The Health Ministry today clarified the effectiveness of double-masking measures, citing research by the US' Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

This was after Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today recommended the public to wear two face masks at high-risk places, even though it is not mandatory.

The Health Ministry said based on the CDC's finding, double masking can provide up to 85.4 percent protection compared to 56.1 percent when wearing a three-ply surgical mask the normal way,

However, it said that double masking should be a combination of a three-ply surgical mask and a cloth mask.

Double masking should not be done by two of the same mask, it said.

"It is true that wearing two face masks can make breathing slightly more difficult but generally, the use of a three-ply surgical mask with a cloth face mask can be properly worn by most users and it does not reduce oxygen supply to the user," the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Users who are not keen on double-masking can also take other measures to improve protection.

They include knotting the loop of a surgical mask which can improve protection to 77 percent.

Alternatively, users can use an N95 mask which can filter 95 percent of particles, eliminating the need to wear two face masks.

The full guide can be found here. 

 - Mkini