SINGAPORE — Following a review, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the use of face shields without a face mask will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, such as when it is impractical for a person to wear a mask or for people with medical conditions. 

Speaking on Monday (June 1) during a press conference held by the multi-ministry task force tackling the Covid-19 crisis, Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, director of medical services at MOH, said that the ministry has decided to no longer treat face shields the same as masks. 

“Face shields cannot replace masks in the majority of settings to prevent ourselves from being exposed to (Covid-19) infection from others,” he said. 

The face mask will still be the default protective gear that people should be wearing to prevent the spread of Covid-19. 

Minister of Health Gan Kim Yong, who co-chairs the task force, said that there are still gaps around the facial area for people who wear face shields, so they are still likely to get deposits of droplets. 

However, he added that the authorities will continue to exercise flexibility for groups of people who have difficulties wearing face masks.

For example, children who are aged 12 and below will be able to wear face shields in place of masks, as they have difficulties wearing masks or keeping them on for prolonged periods of time. 

Audiences in a classroom or in a lecture, provided that they are seated a safe distance from others and remain largely in that spot, will also be allowed to wear face shields without masks. 

Television presenters are exempted from having to wear face shields or face masks while on the job, provided that safe distancing practices are in place during the recording process. 

If a face shield has to be worn, Assoc Prof Mak said that it has to cover the entire face from the forehead to the chin, with the sides of the face being wrapped as well. 

Face shields can be worn on top of a mask for added protection and it can also prevent masks from getting wet, he said. 

The Defence Science and Technology Agency had developed face shields as an extra layer of protection for frontline workers who are not in healthcare. 

When asked whether these frontline workers would now have to wear masks instead of face shields, Mr Gan said that in addition to wearing masks, a face shield would provide added protection for their eyes since masks cover just their noses and mouths. 

This is because these frontline workers not in healthcare, such as cleaners, security guards and maintenance workers, may be in close contact with suspected Covid-19 cases. 

It would be akin to healthcare workers who wear goggles at times when in close contact with Covid-19 patients. 

There are other face shields made by other commercial vendors besides DSTA but Assoc Prof Mak cautioned that not all face shields out in the market meet MOH requirements.

Mr Gan also said that hawkers would have to continue wearing masks because they are in close contact with their customers and work in close proximity with their colleagues. 

When asked what penalties will be meted out to residents wearing face shields instead of face masks, Assoc Prof Mak said that safe distancing ambassadors have been told to exercise flexibility. 

“In the beginning, there will be more opportunities for correction, so some flexibility on enforcement will take place. But if we identify people who are recalcitrant despite encouragement and education, then these are situations where we will have to enforce,” he said. 

Mr Gan reiterated that people have to understand the spirit of the law and not just follow the letter of the law. 

“It does not give us joy to penalise someone to wear a mask because the ultimate penalty is to have the person be infected with Covid-19. This is why we are insisting that the wearing of masks be the default,” he said.