Double Face Mask Encouraged Niqab Without Mask An Offence

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Wearing two face masks at a time is encouraged but not mandatory as long as one mask is always worn, said Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, meanwhile, said wearing a face shield or a niqab (face veil) without a face mask was not allowed.
They said this at a joint press conference in Putrajaya today,
Noor Hisham was asked about a viral photo of him wearing double face masks and goggles and whether this would signal an updated policy for wearing masks.
The director-general clarified that his get-up was for a hospital setting.
He said that nevertheless, wearing two masks was recommended by the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC), especially when in high-risk public areas.
This was as double masks were found to prevent 95 percent of virus transmissions.
"So if we are in a crowded place, a high-risk place, wearing double face masks and a face shield is encouraged," he said.


He also said that cloth masks were not advisable in medical environments.
Ismail was asked about whether those who did not wear a face mask with a niqab or face shield could be fined for violating SOPs.
"Wearing a face shield, niqab and such, can't be used as an excuse for not wearing a face mask.
"Wearing a face shield and a niqab but without a face mask is an offence," he replied.
Yesterday, police began a probe into allegations that entrepreneur and celebrity Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor did not wear a face mask when she arrived at the Seremban Court Complex for a proceeding on Thursday.
She was at court to be charged for allegedly violating SOPs for the conditional movement control order at a carpet shop in Nilai on May 2. - Mkini

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