When Should You Wear a Mask?

When There is a Haze Period

According to MOH's FAQS on Haze Health Advisory, a healthy individual who has to be outdoors for several hours may wear a mask to reduce exposure when the forecasted air quality is in the Hazardous range (PSI >300). Vulnerable persons are advised to avoid or minimise outdoor activity when the forecasted air quality is Very Unhealthy (PSI >200). If they have to be outdoors for several hours, they may reduce exposure by wearing a N95 mask. The elderly, pregnant women and those with severe lung or heart problems who have difficulty breathing at rest or on exertion should consult their doctor as to whether they should use the N95 mask.

N95 masks are not needed for short exposure, like commuting from home to school or work, travel from bus-stop to shopping mall. N95 masks are also not needed in an indoor environment.

When You Are Sick

When you are sick and coughing or sneezing, tiny droplets of saliva and mucus carrying airborne viruses are expelled into the air. These viruses can spread to those around you and make them sick too.

Wearing a surgical mask is one of the ways to prevent you from spreading germs to others when you are not feeling well. A properly worn mask prevents the droplets from being passed into the air when you cough or sneeze.

Related: How to Buy a Mask That Fits

How to Wear a Surgical Mask?

Masks contain filters that prevent germs from being spread.

For hygiene reasons, use disposable masks and replace them when they get moist. 

Here are the correct ways to wear and dispose of a mask.

guide-to-wearing-and-disposing-masks

Related: Keep Germs Away from Your Child

Be Socially Responsible: Stop the Spread of Diseases

shot of a crowded train in singapore

Singapore is densely packed, so we come in close proximity to lots of people daily. From buses to MRTs, shopping malls and hawker centres, infectious diseases like the common cold can spread quickly.

Adopt good hygiene practices and help to F.I.G.H.T the spread of infectious diseases to our family, friends and the rest of the community.

So the next time you’re sick, consider wearing a mask!

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