Wear masks around elderly people, says Khairy

 

People out in the streets of Kuala Lumpur today, on the first day of the relaxation of mask rules.

PETALING JAYA: Show consideration for the safety of older people and wear masks in their presence, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin suggested today.

In a tweet on Post May 1st Mask Etiquette, he said:

“If you are outdoors and it’s visibly getting crowded and someone (especially an elderly person) politely asks you to wear a mask because they are concerned for their safety, please oblige. Let’s together keep protecting our most vulnerable.”

The health ministry has relaxed the rules on the use of face masks from today. While face masks are no longer compulsory outdoors, they must still be worn in crowded outdoor places, and also indoors and while in public transport vehicles.

On Twitter, Khairy also explained when masks could be removed indoors

“The advisory for unmasking when speaking indoors (is for) ‘speaking’ in the context of someone giving a speech at a lectern on a rostrum with reasonable distance to others.

“Not in the context of speaking or talking up close with other people in a conversation,” he said in reply to a Twitter user.

The user had asked: “Do we put on masks to protect ourselves or others around us? If it’s the latter then why allow those who speak or talk to take off their masks?”

Khairy also urged those under a home quarantine order or who have red status on the MySejahtera app to continue to isolate themselves at home.

“We need to also be honest to report positive results and not harm others,” he said. “Continue to self-isolate if your risk status is red. Please don’t go out.”

Although Covid-19 rules have been eased, a check on Kuala Lumpur streets showed that many Malaysians were still cautious about going mask-free in outdoor areas today.

A 52-year-old who only wanted to be known as Mel told FMT that the public must take the responsibility of looking out for themselves and their loved ones.

“Keep your face masks on, it doesn’t matter what others say,” she said. “The restrictions have to be lifted, but it’s up to the individuals to be of sound mind and to look after your own house. That is important.”

Another woman who wanted to be known as Darshini said it was still not appropriate to stop wearing face masks as Covid-19 cases were still high.

Basri, a kebab vendor in the Bukit Bintang area, Basri, said he was still wary about removing masks but welcomed the removal of MySejahtera check-ins.

A drinks vendor, who wanted to be known as Atoy, said: “Depending on the situation, I will still wear masks outdoors if it’s crowded.”

However, others said the relaxation of restrictions was premature.

Yong Hei, 20, said MySejahtera check-ins should be maintained as otherwise it would be harder to track down Covid-19 positive patients, especially those who are asymptomatic.

“It’s too early to say that the Covid-19 situation is under control, because you might not know if someone is positive and they don’t report it to the MySejahtera system,” he said. - FMT