The Health Minister stated that all people young and old except for children under five should use face masks when they go out. This is also as per the standards of the World Health Organisation. The parents however are advised not to take their infants and children in the crowd given the risks.
Currently, all people are required to wear masks while going out. Taking into consideration the feasibility and discomfort, Health Minister Dechen Wangmo said it can be an exception for children below five years of age.
“As per the experts, and as per health ministry’s standard, children below five years cannot use face masks. But the parents have a big responsibility. If you have no urgent work, please do not take your children in the crowd. There are some who carry their infants and is roaming in the town area. Because using face masks to an infant is not possible because of the risk of suffocation. So every parent should remind themselves that unlike them, their children can’t speak if they have a fever,” said Lyonpo.
The Health Minister, however, pleads the public to also ensure they use the mask properly.
“When we say that people can’t step outside their house without face masks, how we wear face mask is important. Sometimes its put on the forehead, sometimes covering the chin, sometimes hanging from the ears, its same as not wearing the face mask. It’s of no use. Please use the mask properly and correctly. Some people cover just their mouth and do not cover their nose which is also not correct. We have to cover it all and once it’s covered, we should not touch it frequently. Even if you want to open, touch the behind of your ears to put off the mask and vice versa,” added Lyonpo.
Compliance with other measures including physical distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and adequate ventilation in indoor settings is also considered essential for reducing the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Samten Dolkar
