GEORGE TOWN: Although the use of face masks is no longer mandatory indoors, continue to spare a thought for those in the vulnerable groups by still taking precautions when visiting them, urge public health experts.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) virologist Dr Kumitaa Theva Das said the public should still do a self-test first and put on a face mask when they need to be in contact with the vulnerable population who are more likely to contract Covid-19.

“For many of us, loosening of rules and mandates means being able to live our lives as normal.

“But we do have to be especially mindful of the risk that we may bring to others who may not be as healthy as us.

“Hence, Covid-19 related precautions like self-testing first and mask-wearing when visiting our family, attending a big event or going to a place where we might encounter the vulnerable population are still crucial,” she said.

Dr Kumitaa said that in Malaysia, almost 70% of Covid-19 related deaths involved those aged 60 and above.

“This is the group that has a bigger reduction in immunity, especially if they have not got their second booster, or it has been more than three months since they got their last vaccine or booster shot.”

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had announced on Wednesday that it was no longer a must to put on a face mask in any enclosed area in Malaysia, except in public transportation and medical facilities.

She said the announcement was expected as the country is transitioning to endemicity.

“There are many aspects that would make the removal of the mask mandate manageable.

“For instance, the cases have plateaued and remained at about 2,000 a day, decrease in hospitalisation and a large number of people vaccinated and boosted.”

She added that people should not feel pressured to remove their masks if they do not want to.

“There will definitely be a lot of people who would not be keen to ditch their masks yet because they may not feel comfortable and want to safeguard their own health.

“The public still needs to be mindful that we are not completely out of the woods yet.

“Stay updated with vaccines and boosters to reduce the risk of infection and its severity.”

Another virologist from USM, Assoc Prof Dr Venugopla Balakrishan, urged the public to wear face masks when interacting with the elderly in closed areas.

“The elderly or those with comorbidities are highly prone to infection if there is a carrier in the room.”

He advised the public to always be cautious and to wear face masks if they fall sick, are immunosuppressed or have comorbidities.

“In preparing to enter full endemicity, we need to be cautious and take care of ourselves and our loved ones.”

USM virology scientist Dr Muhammad Amir Yunus cautioned those in high-risk groups to continue putting on their face masks when they were indoors, especially when there were big crowds.

He said the lifting of the mask mandate indoors by the government was something that he had been expecting as most people had acquired immunity through either booster vaccination or natural infection.

- Source from thestar.com.my