When should I wear a mask?

As of 14 April 2020, you are required to wear a mask if you need to leave your house. The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has decided to make it mandatory for all persons to wear a mask when leaving their home.

When should I wear a mask?

  • When outside of your home
  • On public transport, taxis, and private hire cars
  • Walking to or at markets
  • For esssential workers at all workplace premises

When can I remove my mask?

Only while engaging in strenuous exercise outdoors such as running and jogging, but you must put it back on once you have completed your exercise

Can my child wear a mask?

Mask-wearing is not recommended for young children below the age of 2 for child safety reasons.

NOTE: Enforcement will be flexible for groups with difficulty wearing a mask, eg. children with special needs.

Is it an offence if I don’t wear a mask outside my home?

Yes. First-time offenders will be issued composition offers of $300, and repeat offenders will face higher fines or prosecution in court for egregious cases.

The mask-wearing requirement will be in effect during the circuit breaker period from 7 April till 5 May 2020.


Background

WHO recommendation of wearing surgical masks only when sick

The Government’s recommendation on the use of masks has been based on scientific advice and guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), and that is for individuals to wear surgical masks only when sick, in order to protect others. This was also when Singapore did not have community spread of the virus.

Singapore’s changing situation

Our situation is now changing. There is increased local transmission in Singapore, and a possibility of some undetected cases in the community. There is also some evidence that infected people showing no symptoms may infect others. This is why the WHO is reviewing its guidelines on mask usage.

 Therefore, we will no longer discourage people from wearing masks . Wearing a mask may help to protect others, in case you have the virus but don’t know it. This is so that you keep your droplets to yourself - when you sneeze or speak or cough. It can also protect yourself a little better, especially if you are elderly, or vulnerable because of pre-existing health conditions. 
 Prime Minister Lee, in his address to nation on 3 Apr on COVID-19 situation

Wearing of reusable masks 

For those who need to go out, wear a reusable mask to provide some protection: 

  • Reusable masks complement safe distancing measures and provide some basic protection
  • The mask helps protect others from you, in case you are infected but unaware

Prioritising surgical masks for healthcare workers

Because there is currently a global shortage of surgical masks, Singapore needs to conserve these masks for those who need them most: our healthcare workers, and those who are sick.

Reusable mask distribution

The mask collection exercise has concluded as of 12 April 2020. 


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