Is it premature to lift Covid-19 mask-wearing rules, or time to move on? TODAY readers weigh in
Should Singapore lift its mask-wearing rule on public transport and in healthcare venues? TODAY readers discussed the topic this week, after infectious disease experts said that now is a good time to do away with these public health safety requirements.
Should Singapore lift its mask-wearing rule on public transport and in healthcare venues? TODAY readers discussed the topic this week, after infectious disease experts said that now is a good time to do away with these public health safety requirements.
Singapore has kept the spread of Covid-19 under control, experts noted, adding that with people mingling freely in public, the remaining rules on mask-wearing have become “redundant”.
Readers were divided on the issue, with many saying it was premature to relax the requirements especially on crowded buses and trains. Others, however, said that people should be allowed to decide for themselves when to wear masks, and that it was time to move on from compulsory mask-wearing.
KEEP THEM ON
“It is too premature to say Covid has stabilised to a level where masks are no longer needed, especially in healthcare settings where vulnerable people are housed. To date, we can still see many visibly ill people coughing or sneezing without wearing masks or covering their mouths or noses. After almost three years of the pandemic, we still don't have a culture of being socially responsible when ill.” JASMINE P'NG SIOK LEE
“Mask wearing protects the people around you. What if someone is vulnerable (lowered immunity) but can't control what the people around are wearing? He or she can survive without entering a crowded mall but how to survive without taking public transport?” BINGBING WANG
“Putting on a mask throughout a journey on the MRT is a must. This is to avoid anyone who is infected with any new disease spreading it on public transport.” ROBERTO ANTONIO
“We have weathered the worst, hopefully. But still, it’s good to wear a face mask in crowded indoor venues or when one is not feeling well. Basic hygiene standards and public etiquette.WAT DT”
“Only wear masks in hospitals and clinics but not necessary on public transport.” MANMATHAN RAJA
INDIVIDUAL DECISION
“(We) should still wear masks in hospitals and other medical facilities, and of course common sense should still prevail: Wear a mask if you’re coughing or mildly sick. Let people decide.” PATRICIA ANTHONY
“Never judge another person who still needs to wear a mask. There's absolutely no reason for anybody to explain to the whole world as to why they need to keep their mask on.” M FENG ZHANG
“Those who want to continue wearing (masks) go ahead and stop preaching others to do the same.” BROWN BROWN
“Allowing tens of thousands at concerts without mandatory mask requirements but picking on wearing masks on trains. This outdated rule needs an update. Make it optional on board (public transport) and people with respiratory symptoms (should) need to wearDAMUS GOH”
“Yes, please make it optional. I think with vaccines and boosters we are well protected enough.” MUHAMMAD ALFIAN B ABDULLAH
TIME TO MOVE ON
“Time to move on from Covid. You are not going to wear masks for the rest of your life. For conservatives… wear masks all you want, it’s your right to do so. Stop asking the rest of the world to do the same.” SOH ZI YANG
“Maybe it can start during off-peak hours like after 10.30pm when there are fewer people on the train.” LEWIS CARL
“We have learnt to live with Covid. Looking forward to removal of all restrictions.” YONG NGUAN LIM
These comments were first posted on TODAY’s Facebook page. They have been edited for clarity, accuracy and length. If you have views on this issue or a news topic you care about, send a letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.Related topics
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