Health expert: 'Odd' decision by govt to not make school students wear masks

PETALING JAYA (Aug 8): It is “odd” that the government has not made it compulsory for students in schools to wear face masks to stem the spread of Covid-19, a health expert told FMT today.

“It is seemingly odd that the decision on whether or not to require students to wear face masks should be delayed.

“Infectious diseases do not operate differently in schools, and neither are they exempted from public health measures,” Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy CEO Azrul Mohd Khalib told the news portal.

This in light of the fact that the authorities have made it compulsory for people to wear face masks in crowded places such as public transport and cinemas.

Azrul explained that classrooms are crowded and enclosed spaces, adding that it would be “unrealistic” to consistently practise physical distancing when there is so much inter action.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr N Ganabaskaran in a statement to FMT said the authorities must be “consistent”.

“We should be consistent and make it mandatory in all schools. Any crowded place will increase the risk of infection,” he said.

“The wearing of face masks will also help protect school children who may have pre-existing health issues that may put them at higher risk of more severe symptoms or complications if infected with Covid-19.

“We should take all necessary precautions to reduce these risks,” Ganabaskaran added.

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