Malaysia: Bring back face masks, physical distancing

LETTERS: Due to growing concern about rising Covid-19 cases, the government should mandate physical distancing and the use of face masks, again.

A face mask is needed when people are in a crowded place. Using a face mask is a simple way to protect ourselves from being infected with contagious diseases. When people talk, cough or sneeze, they may release tiny droplets into the air that can infect others.

If someone is ill, a face mask can reduce the amount of germs that the wearer releases and protect other people from becoming sick.

A face mask also protects the wearer’s nose and mouth from splashes or sprays of body fluids. Besides wearing face masks, physical distancing could also play an important role in stopping the spread of Covid-19 and its variants.

By minimising the probability that a given uninfected person will come into contact with an infected person, disease transmission can be suppressed, resulting in fewer infections and fatalities.

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The measures over physical distancing may be used in combination with others, such as good respiratory hygiene, face masks and hand washing.

To slow down the spread of infectious diseases and avoid overburdening the healthcare system, particularly during a pandemic, several physical-distancing measures can be taken, including the closing of schools and workplaces, isolation, quarantine, restricting the movement of people, and the cancellation of mass gatherings.

The measures are less effective when an infection is transmitted primarily via contaminated water or food or by vectors such as mosquitoes or other insects.

People can remain physically connected by meeting outdoors at a safe distance or meeting virtually.

The government should urge the public to temporarily restrain themselves from organising any activities that could attract huge crowds. Meetings, workshops, courses and seminars should be done online.

DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW

Associate Professor, Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia