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Opinion | The more masks we have, the better
- As countries come around to the idea of wearing face coverings, the government must ensure the city has sufficient supplies for everyone
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To wear or not to wear – that is the question under the international spotlight as more countries embrace the idea of surgical masks for everyone to help curb Covid-19 infections. The United States is reportedly formalising guidelines for face coverings to provide greater protection from the widening outbreak. In Hong Kong, most people have been wearing masks from the start. What needs to be addressed is therefore not so much their medical effectiveness, but adequate supply in what appears to be a long-running battle.
The World Health Organisation is also said to be revising its recommendation that masks are only meant for those who are sick or caring for others suspected of being infected. Experts have also argued that masks may give a false sense of securityas they are only useful in thwarting a droplet-borne virus at short distance.
Many are also concerned that universal mask protection may quickly deplete stocks urgently needed by health care workers. Whether a change in the US advice for its citizens will alter global opinion remains to be seen. But those who have been discriminated against or even abused for wearing masks may feel less uncomfortable when there is wider acceptance of their use.
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Of course, cultural differences and a lack of international consensus mean the wearing of surgical masks may still be frowned upon in some places. But their extensive use in Hong Kong is seen as one reason why the scale of community infections is still relatively small. During the initial stages of the outbreak there was an acute shortage of masks and people queued up overnight at pharmacies hoping to buy limited stocks. Although this no longer happens, they are still overpriced.
The Anti-epidemic Fund set up by the government to subsidise the local production of masks has already approved eight production lines, with a monthly capacity of 11 million pieces for use by the authorities. Whether it can help ease shortages in the local private market remains to be seen. Global infection cases have already surpassed a million and, given the pandemic is unlikely to subside soon, it is still incumbent upon the government to ensure a sustainable supply of masks for medical professionals and the public.
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