As of 2pm on 2 February 2020, there have been no new confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV infection in Singapore. All the confirmed cases have recent travel history to Wuhan, and there are currently no reports of local transmission here.
“There is a good chance that there will be no, or very limited, community spread in Singapore if we keep up with what we are doing thus far,” said Professor Chia Kee Seng.
“If there is no or little community transmission, wearing masks on public transport is unnecessary,” he said, in response to whether members of the public should wear masks to protect themselves from those who are sick and do not cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.
Surgical masks are better at preventing the spread of germs when worn by the person who is sick. Hence, the recommendation is for those who are sick to wear masks when in public places so that they do not pass their germs to others.
Prof Chia also cautions that the nose and mouth are not the only route of entry for a virus. The eyes are also a route of entry.
As people tend to use their hands to wipe their eyes or touch their faces, he stressed that it is important to wash the hands frequently. This should be done not just before eating and after going to the toilet, but also after touching animals, garbage or even things such as supermarket trolley handles, where others might have left their germs.
More info on HealthHub: When a Mask is a Must
Media coverage:
- askST: Wuhan virus: Why it is still safe to attend events with large crowds, The Straits Times, 1 February 2020
- Experts: S’pore’s ability to deal with threat has improved since SARS, The Straits Times, 2 February 2020