As Singapore continues to see more confirmed Coronavirus cases here and amid the continued spread of COVID-19 globally, it comes with no surprise that Singaporeans are turning to surgical and N95 masks in hopes to protect themselves from getting the virus infection. Places to buy N95 mask
But because retailers’ stocks immediately get snapped up, you’re probably turning to online shopping to secure masks for your family.
As of writing, here are some online retailers who are selling surgical, N95 masks and other alternatives.
Places To Buy N95 Mask, Surgical Mask
Protect Yourself And Your Family: Wear a mask, practice good personal hygiene
As many Singaporeans express concerns and want to protect themselves and their family from the virus, the government reminds the public to uphold good personal hygiene and adopt safety precautions such as:
- Washing your hands regularly with soap
- Avoiding to touch your face with your hands
- Getting your body temperature checked regularly
- Wear a mask when you feel unwell
- Seeing a doctor promptly when symptoms of the flu show
N95 Mask Singapore: Ministry Of Health’s recommendations on mask-wearing
The Ministry of Health’s official website categorically states that “It is mandatory for all persons who are 6 years old and above to wear a mask when leaving their homes."
“Masks help to reduce the expulsion and transmission of droplets, which is the predominant route of transmission of COVID-19. It is therefore important for you to wear a mask, so that you will not spread the infection to others if you are infected. This is important even if you feel well, because you may be infected but asymptomatic," they’ve added.
They also added that “Everyone must wear a mask when outside of their homes. This applies on public transport, taxis, private hire cars, walking to or at markets, and also for permitted enterprise workers at all workplace premises, whether they are frontline staff (such as food handlers, cashiers and bus drivers) or performing back office functions (such as data entry personnel and payroll executives)."
“Individuals may remove their mask while engaging in outdoor or strenuous exercise (e.g. running/ jogging/cycling, contact sports/games, static exercises and drills including taichi and qigong, brisk walking or walking up hilly terrain), but they must put it back on after completing exercise. Those walking at a normal pace would be required to wear a mask," the Ministry’s policy states.
Types Of Masks Singaporeans Can And Should Wear
The Ministry also aded that “For the general public, a mask that closely and completely covers the nose and mouth (i.e. without leaving a gap between the mask and the face) must be worn when persons go out of their homes."
“Masks with exhalation valves (usually visible as a raised disc on the front or side of the mask), have a decreased effect of preventing the release of droplets from the wearer during exhalation, even if it does provide protection against disease transmission to the wearer. The public, especially those who are unwell with respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose), should not wear masks with valves as they may expose others to the risk of infection from droplets released through the valve," their statement reads.
The Ministry also states that people who are suffering from respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, “and certain groups who are more vulnerable to or at risk of COVID-19 infection should wear surgical masks or reusable masks with better filtration capabilities."
These groups include the following:
1. Senior citizens aged 60 years and above
2. Those with other concurrent medical conditions including diabetes and heart conditions
3. Carers of people who have respiratory symptoms
“Masks with better filtration capabilities are those indicated to have at least 95% bacterial filtration efficiency*. The reusable masks that the government had distributed (from May to June 2020) to all Singaporeans carry this specification," their official statement reads.
The Ministry also specifies that only a certain group of people can use a face shield in place of masks:
- Children who may be 12 years and below, especially if they have difficulty wearing and keeping face masks on for a long period of time
- Citizens who have health conditions “that may result in breathing or other medical difficulties when a mask is worn for a prolonged period of time"
- The bride and groom during solemnisation of their marriage
The official statement also points that “neck gaiters, bandannas, scarves or handkerchiefs are not considered as masks."
Editor’s note: The product links provided here are aimed to help simplify product searches for our readers. Purchase the items at your own discretion. We do not take liability for any transaction issues and dispute. If you purchase an item from this post, theAsianparent may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Source: Ministry of Health
ALSO READ:
Where To Buy Surgical, N95 Masks In Singapore
N95 Masks In Singapore Not Suitable For Kids