Ministry: Wear a face shield, if not a mask

ADDRESSING concerns over the latest health regulations which make it an offence to be in public without a face covering, the Ministry of Health released guidelines on the use of masks, which indicated that people with physical, mental, or medical complications can also use face shields.

The guidelines released over the weekend acknowledged that the wearing of masks may not be suitable for every situation, and some people may not be able to wear them. In these circumstances, which the ministry identified as circumstances where people have respiratory conditions, people are involved in high intensity activities like exercising or running, and people in instances where cloth face coverings could cause an occupational hazard, a face shield may be the best option.

The advisory said face shields should cover the forehead and sides of the face, extend below the chin and be made of a material that could be properly cleaned and sanitised before each use.

If a person is exhibiting flu-like symptoms, like sneezing or coughing, a face shield is not suggested, as it gives less protection to people than a cloth mask would. The ministry also advised that in an instance where the shield or mask may become wet, for example, while swimming, neither a mask nor a shield may help. In these circumstances, physical distancing becomes all the more important.

In Saturday’s Ministry of Health press briefing and update on covid19, Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh said the new health regulations are not limited to masks.

He said the latest health regulations were not to force people to wear masks, but to regulate behaviour so people would be encouraged to cover their faces.

“You have options, like the masks, the face shield, or any other covering,” Deyalsingh said.

Health regulations 27 defined a face covering as any covering which covers the nose, mouth and chin of the wearer. Section 7 of the regulations prohibits people from being in public without a mask, shield or any face covering. The regulations also says that people with children have to provide and ensure that the child has and wears a mask in public as well. Children over eight years can be served a fixed penalty notice for not wearing a mask in public, vehicle or vessel.

The regulations also add that it is also an offence to be in a vehicle or vessel without a mask. People in contravention of these regulations are liable to be fined $1,000. Failure to pay the fine can result in a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for up to three days.