In May, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah advised Malaysians to start practising double masking so that we are more protected from COVID-19.
Photo via Twitter (Noor Hisham Abdullah)
This after the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that layering two masks over each other can reduce the spread of the virus more effectively.
But recently, DG Hisham is also recommending the use of face shields.
In his tweet, he said: “Face masks and face shields could help prevent community transmission when physical distancing and stay-at-home measures are relaxed or no longer possible.”
These barriers along with hand hygiene and avoiding the practice of touching your face can help stop airborne respiratory droplets from reaching you.
In another tweet, DG Hisham mentioned that face shields should be a part of the strategy to reduce COVID-19 transmissions.
“We need to adopt the practical application of face shields, which can be quickly and affordably produced and distributed. It should be included as part of strategies to safely and significantly reduce transmission in the community setting,” his tweet reads.
He also revealed that using a face shield and double-masking can give up to 96% of protection from the Delta variant that is currently the dominant variant in our country.
Yes, we get it, it’s annoying to have so many things on your face all at once. But safety always comes first!
Find out how you can double-mask properly here!
Please take care and stay safe, everyone!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
