Q Is it time for Hong Kong people to take off their masks?
Surgical masks - the three-layered protective masks most commonly seen on the streets of Hong Kong - were never designed to prevent the contraction of airborne diseases. They were designed to filter out exhaled bacteria and other pathogens from nurses and doctors in the surgical theatre to prevent spreading diseases to a patient.
But such a revelation does not dismiss its current use. Many experts believe that wearing a surgical mask may not necessarily protect you from Sars, but may prevent the spread of the disease.
Instead of suggesting that people should stop wearing masks because it is ineffective in protecting the wearer, perhaps we should focus on realising that wearing a surgical mask helps the user become a responsible citizen.
The user wears the mask not to protect themselves, but rather to protect others. This is important as it is not clear if Sars patients are infectious before serious signs appear.
Perhaps if the world sees that Hong Kong citizens wear surgical masks not to protect themselves, but rather to protect others, they will acknowledge our commitment not only to ourselves, but our entire community. Wouldn't that be a great image to show to the world?
Mark Liao, Jardine's Lookout