Leave the scarce supply of face masks for the hospital workers

Minister Chan said that the govt has to conserve the limited supply of surgical masks for use in the hospitals.

I agree with this approach.

The doctors and nurses are at the most risks, as they have to take care of the infected patients at close proximity.

This means that less masks are available for use by the general public. I find it acceptable.

The risk of infection outside of the hospitals is low. That is why I do not feel the need to wear a mask.

We are not in the same situation as China, or Hong Kong, or even South Korea and Japan. It is winter in these countries. Even the seasonal flu can cause harm to the population, especially the elderly. I can therefore understand why more people wear the masks in these countries.

I do not want to pass any comment on Singaporeans who feel strongly that they need to use a face mask. But I disagree with the view, expressed by some of them, that the people who don't wear the mask are putting others at risk. I find it to be nonsense.

My opinion on the need to use the mask will change, if many more people are infected in Singapore. Meanwhile, no mask for me.

I am happy to encourage other people not to waste our scare supply of face masks and to leave them for the hospital workers. They need the masks more than us.