Despite the announcement of easing mask mandates, most people in Singapore prefer to stay safe and keep their masks on. The easing of this COVID-19 restriction mostly applies to indoor public places on the island.
In August of 2022, authorities in Singapore announced the new social-mixing restriction on COVID-19, which took effect on August 29. However, many Singaporeans are still not fully ready to stop wearing facemasks, despite the new and eased restrictions.
In this article, you'll read:
- How Singaporeans React to Easing of Mask Mandates Indoors
- 3 Reasons Why Singaporeans Want to Continue Wearing Facemasks
- Authorities Continue to Ease COVID-19 Restrictions
Not only Singaporeans but all the people across the globe experienced significant life adjustments when the pandemic started. Back then, all people suddenly needed to comply with different COVID-19 restrictions, depending on the area you are located in.
Suddenly, all our actions become quite a bit more limited. We needed to wear facemasks outside, practice social distancing, and become very used to alcohol and sanitisers.
Fortunately, after more than two years of a pandemic, COVID-19 restrictions in different parts of the world eased, including Singapore. However, not every individual is delighted to hear the new restrictions.
How Singaporeans React to Easing of Mask Mandates Indoors
After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities in the country finally allowed Singaporeans not to wear facemasks even in public places.
The new protocol took effect on Monday, the 29th of August, 2022. It is no longer mandatory for people in Singapore to wear masks in public places, such as shopping malls and schools.
However, the majority of people in the country are still not ready to stop using facemasks both indoors and outdoors. Many people were seen still wearing facemasks in shopping malls and schools in Singapore, even after easing the restrictions.
3 Reasons Why Singaporeans Want to Continue Wearing Facemasks
As mentioned, Singaporeans prefer to remain protected against COVID-19 despite the announcement of easing mask mandates. Moreover, various reasons are at play when it comes to wearing facemasks in public areas. Here are 3 common reasons:
Safeguarding Own Health
Many people in Singapore have no plans to stop wearing facemasks when they are in different public places in the country. This applies to the areas that recently allowed the entry of visitors without masks.
When people get sick, it could affect all aspects of their lives. However, most are afraid that getting sick could affect their work and careers.
Catching the disease could also have long-term effects on an individual's body. Singapore is one of the workaholic nations across the globe. Almost every adult in the country values their work and career, so they cannot afford to catch the sickness.
Protect the Health of Close Family Members
Despite the advancements in vaccines, COVID-19 is still considered as a highly contagious virus. Once you have become positive for the virus, there could be a huge possibility that your family will get positive too.
Many Singaporeans do not want to stop wearing facemasks in schools and malls to protect their families and everyone around them. They believe protecting their family from COVID-19 is one of their most significant duties.
This is the primary thinking of many parents in the country. One way of protecting their children from the disease is by protecting themselves.
No Longer Comfortable Not Wearing Facemasks
After years of mandatory wearing facemasks, some people are no longer comfortable not wearing facemasks.
For some people, it is too soon for them to stop wearing one. Meanwhile, some feel a bit awkward wearing facemasks after wearing masks for so long.
Despite all the reasons mentioned above, there are still definitely those people who are happy to hear about the new COVID-19 restrictions. They loved and enjoyed the smell of freedom as soon as the authority eased the restrictions.
Nevertheless, establishments need to follow the announcement of easing mask mandates in different public areas. Wearing and not wearing facemasks in Singapore will no longer be under the authority's decision. It would now be based on the preferences of every individual.
Authorities Continue to Ease COVID-19 Restrictions
On the 24th of August, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that they would be easing the COVID-19 restrictions in the country. The new easing of mask mandates took effect on the 29th of August.
Singapore relaxed its social-mixing restrictions on COVID-19. They said that wearing facemasks will no longer be mandatory in different areas in the country, except for public transport and hospitals.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the mandatory wearing of facemasks will only be applicable in two settings.
Firstly, people are required to wear facemasks when they are in healthcare facilities, residential care homes, and ambulances. People must continue wearing one when they are in hospitals and polyclinics.
Secondly, it is still mandatory to wear facemasks when the citizens are on public transport.
Meanwhile, wearing facemasks in airports and other private transport modes will be optional. This includes school buses, private bus services, and taxis.