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From June 2 onwards, the use of face shields will only be allowed by certain groups or settings.

As such, masks will still be the default mode of protection used when one is out of the house.

Masks to be used by default from June 2

This was announced in a press conference on June 1 by the Multi-Ministry Taskforce.

According to Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, this decision was made as "greater community interaction and contacts" among people will be anticipated from June 2 onwards.

"While face shields may provide some protection, the design of face shields typically leave a gap between the face and shield which means that the wearer would still be depositing droplets."

Ministry of Health's (MOH) director of medical services Kenneth Mak added that face shields cannot replace masks in the "majority of settings" which will require facial protection.

Groups allowed to wear face shields

However, face shields may be worn in situations where the wearing of a mask may not be practical.

This includes:

• Children aged 12 years and below.
• Persons who have health conditions that may result in breathing difficulties or other medical difficulties when a mask is worn for a prolonged period of time.
• People speaking to a group in a classroom or lecture-style setting where they are largely remaining in a single spot from which they are speaking and are able to maintain a safe distance away from people.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has also exempted persons and individuals doing television broadcast from having to wear face masks or face shields.

"We will continue with this exemption provided such activities are done in a safe and controlled environment. That is when safe distancing is observed vis-à-vis other people in the vicinity and safe management practices are followed throughout the recording or filming process," said Mak.

Importance of wearing masks

In response to a question from a media, Gan agreed that a person found wearing a face shield will face the same penalty as if they were not wearing a mask.

He said: "If you are not wearing a mask, then you will face the same penalty as if you are not wearing a mask."

However, Mak also added that they have instructed safe distancing ambassadors to "exercise some flexibility" in their enforcement.

"The aim, really, is to educate and encourage people to do the right thing and display the right behaviour. As people learn about the importance of wearing mask as a default, more and more people will be doing the right practice even though they may previously have been quite accustomed and used to the use of a face shield in lieu of a mask."

Face shields can complement masks

Face shields can still be used to complement the use of a mask.

According to Mak, when a face shield is used on top of a mask, it will provide some additional protection.

For example, it can protect one's eyes from droplets that may contain virus particles.

It can also be used to prevent masks from getting wet in certain external settings.

Apart from that, a face shield may have the advantage of minimising the touching of one's face which may result in further contamination of the hands and face.

Face shields previously allowed

According to a previous update on the Ministry of Health's FAQ page on April 29, people in Singapore who need to head out of their homes during the Circuit Breaker can wear any of the following types of masks that offer adequate basic protection:

• Reusable masks
• DIY masks
• Plastic face shields

The ministry also noted that surgical masks should be conserved for those who need them the most, including the healthcare workers, in light of a global shortage of surgical masks.

Top image from Singapore Food Agency/ FB.