Editorial | More to face masks than meets the eye
- Two reports published last week point to issues in the quality of masks available as well as their distribution among government departments
Two important reports on face masks were issued last week – one by the Consumer Council on the quality of the ones available on the market and another by the Office of the Ombudsman on alleged misuse among government departments.
Their findings may not resonate as widely in society nowadays as supplies are no longer an issue. But they still provide useful reference for consumers and officials in charge of procurement and distribution. This is especially relevant as the pandemic is likely to drag on for some time.
Most of the models tested by the Consumer Council met the minimum requirements for protection against infection. But 70 per cent fell short in terms of hygiene and comfort. With Covid-19 raging for nearly a year, the standards ought to have been better.
Today, face masks are not only widely available, they have even become fashion statements. But it would be misguided to pursue production along the lines of design and appearance without first improving hygiene and functionality.
Equally worthy of attention is the use of masks among government departments. The ombudsman launched an investigation after CSI masks – the ones produced by prisoners for government use – were found to be available for sale amid a citywide shortage earlier this year.
While the abuse could not be traced, the ombudsman found the mechanism for distributing masks by some departments was lax. The procedures for disposing of masks that were past their expiry date were also not stringent, thereby raising the risk of misuse.