Infowars has been proven wrong about its claims that the Biden Administration will introduce a face mask mandate in September 2023!
Claim : Biden Admin Will Order Face Mask Mandate!
People have been sharing an Infowars article which claimed that the Biden Administration will order a new face mask mandate for TSA and airport employees, followed by “full Covid lockdowns“. Here is an excerpt:
Biden Regime to Reinstate COVID-19 Restrictions Beginning with Mask Mandate as “COVID Cases Rise”, Say TSA and Border Patrol Whistleblowers
The Biden regime is preparing to reinstate full COVID-19 lockdowns, beginning with masking mandates for TSA and airport employees reportedly as early as mid-September, Infowars first to report.
A high-level TSA official reached out to Infowars, detailing a Tuesday meeting where TSA managers were informed of new memorandums and policies that would reimplement mask-wearing.
These policies will reinstate the mask mandate for TSA and airport employees starting in mid-September.
The official added that by mid-October, mask-wearing will be mandated for pilots, flight staff, passengers, and all airport patrons.
Following this disclosure from the TSA official, Infowars reached out to a trusted Border Patrol source, also in a managerial position.
This source corroborated the directives, confirming that similar measures were being planned for Border Patrol personnel.
“They were told it was not a matter of “if” but “when” official Covid numbers will go back up and they expect by mid-October a return to forced-masking policies that the Biden administration previously only reluctantly ended after massive pressure,” Infowars reported.
Infowars Proven Wrong About Biden Face Mask Mandate!
Infowars first claimed on August 18, 2023, that TSA and Border whistleblowers leaked information about a rollout of “full Covid restrictions”, which would include a face mask mandate in September, followed by full Covid lockdowns in December.
Well, it is now October 3, 2023, and there is nary a sight of any face mask mandate for TSA or airport employees in the United States. Infowars has been proven WRONG yet again.
Frankly, that’s hardly surprising. Alex Jones and/or Infowars never actually showed any evidence that the Biden Administration is planning to introduce a face mask mandate for air travel, much less full COVID-19 restrictions which would include lockdowns.
If you watch the video above, you can see that Alex Jones has a ton of paper on his table. Unfortunately, none of them were the leaked memorandum or policy documents from his TSA and Border Patrol whistleblowers.
Rather, they appear to be nothing more than printed copies of news articles! Alex Jones never showed any evidence of the “planned COVID-19 protocols” that were supposed to roll out in the middle of September 2023.
And it’s already October 2023, without a single TSA agent or Border Patrol officer required to wear a face mask in the United States.
I should point out that lockdowns are, frankly, no longer necessary because a combination of vaccines and prior infections have given people significant protection against COVID-19 infections.
Even though cases are spiking due to new variants (which are more adept at evading protection), hospitals and healthcare workers are no longer overloaded with COVID-19 patients. In fact, there has been multiple waves of new COVID-19 variants, but they have not necessitated new lockdowns.
That’s why the WHO itself declared on 5 May 2023 that COVID-19 as a whole is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Instead, COVID-19 is now considered “an established and ongoing health issue“.
Finally, I should also point out that any order for a face mask mandate on public transportation, including airlines, would be issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, not the TSA or Border Control.
It was the US CDC that issued the first and only face mask mandate for public transportation in the United States (PDF download) on January 29, 2021. The TSA and Border Control had nothing to do with that, but only issued their own directives to comply with the CDC order.
However, the CDC face mask mandate was made “unenforceable” by court order on April 18, 2022, and expired when the Biden Administration ended the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023.
If the CDC ever issues another face mask mandate, it seems inevitable that it would be challenged in court, and made “unenforceable” by another court order. So what really is this panic over a “future” face mask mandate?
I should also point out that, long before the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers all over the world have had no issues wearing face masks to protect themselves and their patients. Seriously, stop being such a wuss.
Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
Don’t forget to protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Is the Biden Administration preparing to reinstate FULL COVID-19 lockdowns, beginning with face mask mandates in mid-September 2023?! Find out what the facts really are!
Updated @ 2023-08-30 : Added video fact check, and other updates Originally posted @ 2023-08-25
Claim : Biden Admin Is Reinstating Full COVID Lockdowns!
People are sharing an article by The Gateway Pundit, which claims that the Biden Administration is preparing to reinstate FULL COVID-19 lockdowns, beginning with face mask mandates in mid-September 2023!
The article is pretty long, so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!
Biden Regime to Reinstate COVID-19 Restrictions Beginning with Mask Mandate as “COVID Cases Rise”, Say TSA and Border Patrol Whistleblowers
The Biden regime is preparing to reinstate full COVID-19 lockdowns, beginning with masking mandates for TSA and airport employees reportedly as early as mid-September, Infowars first to report.
A high-level TSA official reached out to Infowars, detailing a Tuesday meeting where TSA managers were informed of new memorandums and policies that would reimplement mask-wearing.
These policies will reinstate the mask mandate for TSA and airport employees starting in mid-September.
The official added that by mid-October, mask-wearing will be mandated for pilots, flight staff, passengers, and all airport patrons.
Following this disclosure from the TSA official, Infowars reached out to a trusted Border Patrol source, also in a managerial position.
This source corroborated the directives, confirming that similar measures were being planned for Border Patrol personnel.
“They were told it was not a matter of “if” but “when” official Covid numbers will go back up and they expect by mid-October a return to forced-masking policies that the Biden administration previously only reluctantly ended after massive pressure,” Infowars reported.
The news outlet added, “Both whistleblowers were told this rollout will be in tandem with the new Covid “variant” hysteria that the MSM has been reporting on this week.”
The media is now pushing for another lockdown. Another fear porn from the so-called health experts and media just in time for the next election. The same old playbook.
No Evidence Biden Administration Is Reinstating COVID Lockdowns!
The Gateway Pundit was basically just summarising what Infowars claimed, and here is what you need to know:
Fact #1 : Infowars Is Notorious Fake News Website
First, let me just point out that Infowars is notorious for posting conspiracy theories and fake news.
2020 study by four universities – Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers, found that Infowars was amongst the top 5 most shared websites for COVID-19 fake news.
Infowars is listed as #4 on the Top 10 Worst Anti-Science Websites list.
Infowars video editor Josh Owens admitted to intentionally creating misleading videos – “It’s not about truth, it’s not about accuracy — it’s about what’s going to make people click on this video…In essence, we lied.“
Both Alex Jones and Infowars have been subjected to multiple lawsuits, losing them one after another. In December 2022, he and the Infowars parent company was ordered to pay about $1.5 billion for spreading lies about the 2002 Sandy Hook mass shooting.
Based on its reputation, everything posted by InfoWars should be considered as FAKE NEWS until proven otherwise.
Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should NEVER share anything from InfoWars. Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:
Fact #2 : Alex Jones + Infowars Provided No Evidence
If you watch the Infowars video where Alex Jones detailed the “exclusive news” that the Biden Administration is planning to bring back FULL COVID-19 restrictions, you may be forgiven for thinking that all those papers on his table are leaked memorandum and policy documents that TSA and Border Patrol whistleblowers provided.
Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case. While there is A TON of papers on his massive table, they appear to be nothing more than printed copies of news articles. Alex Jones never showed any evidence of the “planned COVID-19 protocols” that will roll out in the middle of September 2023.
It’s easy to make outlandish claims, it’s quite another thing to back them with actual evidence. Needless to say, Infowars offered ZERO evidence to back up its claims.
Fact #3 : Lockdowns Were Necessary Because There Was No Vaccine
In his video, Alex Jones said that his whistleblowers were told to expect “a return to the full COVID protocol of 2020/2021” by December 2023.
The problem with that claim is that many governments implemented lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, because there was no treatment and vaccines were not yet invented or available in sufficient quantities.
Lockdowns were used as a way to limit transmission, and prevent hospitals and healthcare workers from being overloaded with COVID-19 patients.
Now that many people have some protection from a prior infection, or from COVID-19 vaccines, there has been no new need for governments to implement new lockdowns. In fact, there has been multiple waves of new COVID-19 variants, but they have not necessitated new lockdowns.
So the claim that the Biden Administration is going to implement COVID-19 lockdowns in December 2023 over the new Eris EG.5 variant is not supported by the prevailing evidence.
Fact #4 : WHO Declared COVID-19 Is No Longer PHEIC
It is interesting that the whistleblowers mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) may declare (an emergency?) over the new EG.5 Eris variant.
For one thing, the WHO itself declared on 5 May 2023 that COVID-19 as a whole is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Instead, COVID-19 is now considered “an established and ongoing health issue“.
Fact #5 : Eris Variant Is Not More Dangerous
The WHO has been monitoring the new EG.5 “Eris” variant, designating it as a “variant of interest”. However, that does not mean Eris is a more dangerous variant.
According to the WHO, the EG. 5 variant has increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, but…
presents a low public health risk at a global level, and
has no reported changes in disease severity to date
While it is possible that EG.5 / Eris will become the dominant COVID-19 variant moving into the winter months of 2023, it has the same symptoms and severity as past variants.
Fact #6 : New Vaccines Are Coming In September 2023
Even if the Eris / EG.5 becomes dominant, it is unlikely for the United States to require lockdowns in December 2023, because new COVID-19 vaccines coming in September will offer better protection against it.
From late September 2023 onwards, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are introducing new COVID-19 vaccines that will target XBB variants. As EG.5 is part of the XBB lineage, the new vaccines are expected to offer better protection against this new variant.
EG.5 is part of the XBB lineage and is more closely related to the XBB variants than it is to previous vaccine strains.
For this reason, the expectation is that the reformulated vaccines that will be available this fall will offer better protection to EG.5 than previous vaccines.
– Justin Lessler, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
In short, there really isn’t a need for new lockdowns, because the improved COVID-19 vaccines are already coming in the fall of 2023.
Fact #7 : Biden Administration Does Not Want New Lockdowns
I should now point out that it is against the Biden Administration’s interest to implement new lockdowns, which would cripple the economy. In fact, the Biden Administration mentioned this when it released its National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (PDF download) in March 2022.
The path forward in the fight against COVID-19 is clear: schools, workers, and workplaces have resources and guidance to prevent shutdowns.
Finally, I should also point out that any order for a face mask mandate on public transportation, including airlines, would be issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, not the TSA or Border Control.
It was the US CDC that issued the first and only face mask mandate for public transportation in the United States (PDF download) on January 29, 2021. The TSA and Border Control had nothing to do with that, but only issued their own directives to comply with the CDC order.
However, the CDC face mask mandate was made “unenforceable” by court order on April 18, 2022, and expired when the Biden Administration ended the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023.
If the CDC ever issues another face mask mandate, it seems inevitable that it would be challenged in court, and made “unenforceable” by another court order. So what really is this panic over a “future” face mask mandate?
I should also point out that, long before the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers all over the world have had no issues wearing face masks to protect themselves and their patients. Seriously, stop being such a wuss.
Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
Don’t forget to protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Is the Biden Administration preparing to bring back FULL COVID-19 restrictions beginning in mid-September 2023?! Find out what the facts really are!
Updated @ 2023-08-24 : Added a fact check video, updated parts of the article Originally posted @ 2023-08-19
Claim : Biden Admin Bringing Back Full COVID Restrictions!
People are sharing an InfoWars article which claims that the Biden Administration is preparing to bring back FULL COVID-19 restrictions, beginning in mid-September 2023!
The article is pretty long, so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!
EXCLUSIVE: Biden Admin Preparing to Bring Back FULL Covid Restrictions, Rollout to Begin Mid-September
Whistleblowers from the TSA and Border Patrol have raised the alarm to Infowars that the Biden administration is setting the stage for full Covid lockdowns that will begin with incremental restrictions like masking TSA employees in mid-September.
The first source, a high-level TSA official confirmed and known to Infowars, reached out to Infowars and cited a Tuesday meeting in which TSA managers were told new memorandums & policies were being completed that would reimplement masking, starting with TSA & airport employees as early as mid-September.
The TSA official also said next week they will receive new guidelines on how the policy will escalate: by mid-October, mask-wearing will be required by pilots, flight staff, passengers, and airport patrons.
After hearing from the TSA manager, Infowars reached out to our trusted Border Patrol source who is also a manager. This source confirmed the same directives were being given to Border Patrol.
They were told it was not a matter of “if” but “when” official Covid numbers will go back up and they expect by mid-October a return to forced-masking policies that the Biden administration previously only reluctantly ended after massive pressure.
Both whistleblowers were told this rollout will be in tandem with the new Covid “variant” hysteria that the MSM has been reporting on this week.
Infowars’ analysis is clear: this new rollout’s timing is perfect for the embattled Biden administration to put the country back in a state of civil emergency and even martial law to further divide and confuse the public and move forward with the greatest election meddling in history.
Many times, Alex Jones has warned that the system will bring back biomedical tyranny. And the launch of this new crisis in September will allow a build-up of control that would allow the use of mail-in ballots for the next presidential election.
Remember, mail-in ballots were decisive for Biden’s victory last election.
We now know the Covid lockdowns were an international psychological warfare operation run by the Ministry of Defense and Pentagon.
Countries worldwide implemented fear campaigns for political purposes and to push experimental shots.
But this time around, the masses have awakened to the globalist playbook of conquest, and may not be as receptive to MSM hysteria.
Simply put, the Deep State is getting desperate and is behaving like a cornered animal.
No Evidence Biden Administration Is Bringing Back COVID Restrictions!
Let’s take a look at what Infowars just claimed, and find out what the facts really are!
Fact #1 : InfoWars Is Notorious Fake News Website
First, let me just point out that InfoWars is notorious for posting conspiracy theories and fake news.
2020 study by four universities – Northeastern, Harvard, Northwestern, and Rutgers, found that InfoWars was amongst the top 5 most shared websites for COVID-19 fake news.
InfoWars is listed as #4 on the Top 10 Worst Anti-Science Websites list.
InfoWars video editor Josh Owens admitted to intentionally creating misleading videos – “It’s not about truth, it’s not about accuracy — it’s about what’s going to make people click on this video…In essence, we lied.“
Both Alex Jones and InfoWars have been subjected to multiple lawsuits, losing them one after another. In December 2022, he and the InfoWars parent company was ordered to pay about $1.5 billion for spreading lies about the 2002 Sandy Hook mass shooting.
Based on its reputation, everything posted by InfoWars should be considered as FAKE NEWS until proven otherwise.
Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should NEVER share anything from InfoWars. Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:
Fact #2 : Alex Jones + InfoWars Provided No Evidence
If you watch the InfoWars video where Alex Jones detailed the “exclusive news” that the Biden Administration is planning to bring back FULL COVID-19 restrictions, you may be forgiven for thinking that all those papers on his table were leaked memorandum and policy documents that TSA and Border Patrol whistleblowers provided.
Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case. While there is A TON of papers on his massive table, they appear to be nothing more than printed copies of news articles. Alex Jones never showed any evidence of the “planned COVID-19 protocols” that will roll out in the middle of September 2023.
It’s easy to make outlandish claims, it’s quite another thing to back them with actual evidence. Needless to say, InfoWars offered ZERO evidence to back up its claims.
Fact #3 : Lockdowns Were Necessary Because There Was No Vaccine
In his video, Alex Jones said that his whistleblowers were told to expect “a return to the full COVID protocol of 2020/2021” by December 2023.
The problem with that claim is that many governments implemented lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, because there was no treatment and vaccines were not yet invented or available in sufficient quantities.
Lockdowns were used as a way to limit transmission, and prevent hospitals and healthcare workers from being overloaded with COVID-19 patients.
Now that many people have some protection from a prior infection, or from COVID-19 vaccines, there has been no new need for governments to implement new lockdowns. In fact, there has been multiple waves of new COVID-19 variants, but they have not necessitated new lockdowns.
So the claim that the Biden Administration is going to implement COVID-19 lockdowns in December 2023 over the new Eris EG.5 variant is not supported by the prevailing evidence.
Fact #4 : WHO Declared COVID-19 Is No Longer PHEIC
It is interesting that the whistleblowers mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) may declare (an emergency?) over the new EG.5 Eris variant.
For one thing, the WHO itself declared on 5 May 2023 that COVID-19 as a whole is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Instead, COVID-19 is now considered “an established and ongoing health issue“.
Fact #5 : Eris Variant Is Not More Dangerous
The WHO has been monitoring the new EG.5 “Eris” variant, designating it as a “variant of interest”. However, that does not mean Eris is a more dangerous variant.
According to the WHO, the EG. 5 variant has increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, but…
presents a low public health risk at a global level, and
has no reported changes in disease severity to date
While it is possible that EG.5 / Eris will become the dominant COVID-19 variant moving into the winter months of 2023, it has the same symptoms and severity as past variants.
Fact #6 : New Vaccines Are Coming In September 2023
Even if the Eris / EG.5 becomes dominant, it is unlikely for the United States to require lockdowns in December 2023, because new COVID-19 vaccines coming in September will offer better protection against it.
From late September 2023 onwards, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are introducing new COVID-19 vaccines that will target XBB variants. As EG.5 is part of the XBB lineage, the new vaccines are expected to offer better protection against this new variant.
EG.5 is part of the XBB lineage and is more closely related to the XBB variants than it is to previous vaccine strains.
For this reason, the expectation is that the reformulated vaccines that will be available this fall will offer better protection to EG.5 than previous vaccines.
– Justin Lessler, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
In short, there really isn’t a need for new lockdowns, because the improved COVID-19 vaccines are already coming in the fall of 2023.
Fact #7 : Biden Administration Does Not Want New Lockdowns
I should now point out that it is against the Biden Administration’s interest to implement new lockdowns, which would cripple the economy. In fact, the Biden Administration mentioned this when it released its National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (PDF download) in March 2022.
The path forward in the fight against COVID-19 is clear: schools, workers, and workplaces have resources and guidance to prevent shutdowns.
Finally, I should also point out that any order for a face mask mandate on public transportation, including airlines, would be issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, not the TSA or Border Control.
It was the US CDC that issued the first and only face mask mandate for public transportation in the United States (PDF download) on January 29, 2021. The TSA and Border Control had nothing to do with that, but only issued their own directives to comply with the CDC order.
However, the CDC face mask mandate was made “unenforceable” by court order on April 18, 2022, and expired when the Biden Administration ended the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023.
If the CDC ever issues another face mask mandate, it seems inevitable that it would be challenged in court, and made “unenforceable” by another court order. So what really is this panic over a “future” face mask mandate?
I should also point out that, long before the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers all over the world have had no issues wearing face masks to protect themselves and their patients. Seriously, stop being such a wuss.
Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
Don’t forget to protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Must you wear a face mask, and dress properly in order to vote at the 2023 State and Parliament election for Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan?!
Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : 2023 Election Voters Must Wear Face Mask + Office Dress Code!
People are sharing messages claiming that voters must wear a face mask, and follow a specific dress code to vote during the 2023 State and Parliament election for Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan!
Just sharing from another group. 👇
Please wear a mask when you go to vote , they may take this excuse no mask cannot go into voting centre . So remember to bring your mask with you . And dress decently. No shorts .
It seems must wear a mask when one goes to vote.. please inform people in your contacts. Tomorrow’s election attire has to be proper. Long pants, shirt & shoes. No shorts, sleeveless t-shirts & slippers. Mostly younger non-Malays wear this way esp shorts and may not be allowed…rugi undi. Just a gentle reminder.
Truth : No Need To Wear Face Mask Or Office Dress Code To Vote In 2023 Election!
These are just more examples of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Voters Only Need To Be Appropriately Dressed
The fake news falsely claimed that people cannot wear short pants or slippers to vote at the 2023 election in Malaysia.
According to Section 26(1)(g) of the Election Offences Act of 1954 (Act 5), voters can wear anything they want as long as their clothes do not have :
the name of any electoral candidate
the symbol of any political party
In other words, if you prefer to wear shorts and slippers, go on right ahead. Or if you prefer to dress up, more power to you!
This is not just about comfort. It is expected to rain during 2023 election on 12 August 2023, and it may be impractical for voters to wear formal wear.
Fact #2 : Dress Code Photo Only For Government Offices
The photos that people keep sharing (below is just one example) are of the dress code for government offices in Malaysia. You only need to abide by that dress code if you wish to enter a government office.
That government office dress code does NOT apply to the polling centres for the 2023 State and Parliament election in Malaysia. You do NOT have to follow this dress code to vote in Malaysia!
While wearing a face mask is strongly encouraged, you will not be turned away from voting if you do not have a face mask.
The World Health Organization announced on May 1, 2023 that COVID-19 was no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Following that, Malaysia eased its COVID-19 guidelines on July 5:
wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory on public transportation, or hospitals.
it is only mandatory for people who are COVID-19 positive, and healthcare workers adhering to infection control practices in health facilities, to wear face masks.
quarantine for COVID-19 positive cases was also shortened from seven days to just five days from the onset of first symptoms.
Using face masks by high risk individuals in crowded areas and places with bad air circulation is also highly encouraged.
– Malaysia Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa
On 11 August 2023, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) also issued a detailed statement outlining the election process. There was no mention of face masks being required to vote.
In fact, face masks were NOT even required during the 15th General Election in November 2022!
At that time, wearing a face mask was only mandatory for COVID-19 positive voters! The SPR only strongly encouraged voted to wear one, but it was NOT a requirement.
Fact #4 : SPR Refuted Dress Code Claims
During the previous 15th General Elections, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) issued a statement refuting that office dress code claim, as well as the infographic below.
The SPR also stated clearly that the government office dress code does NOT apply in any election polling station.
Voters do not have to dress according to government office attire at polling stations. The EC has not and will not prevent a voter from entering a polling station as long as the voter is appropriately dressed.
Now that you know the facts, please SHARE this fact check article, and SUPPORT our work!
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Is MMA fighter Cris Lencioni in the ICU after collapsing from a cardiac arrest caused by the COVID-19 vaccine?!
Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Cris Lencioni Is In ICU From Vaccine Cardiac Arrest!
Right after news broke that Cris Lencioni is fighting for his life in the ICU, anti-vaccination activists immediately claimed that the 28 year-old MMA fighter collapsed from a cardiac arrest caused by the COVID-19 vaccine!
MMA fighters, boxers, soccer studs, football hitters… are no match for the nanobot, graphene oxide laden, mRNA bioweapons mislabeled a “vaccine.”
#SuddenDeath #DiedSuddenlyNews #Suddenlydied #DiedUnexpectedly #DiedSuddenly #suddendeaths Fighter Cris Lencioni only 28 and in peak physical condition has Heart Attack while traing for a fight. This is very normal now since the BioWeapon Vaccine came out
Rising MMA star Cris Lencioni in ICU after cardiac arrest, family says he’s ‘in his biggest fight yet’ Probably got the C19 jab in the past couple years. I see the results in the hospital now. Younger, healthy people with Afib, cardiac episodes,,,jabbed!
No Evidence Cris Lencioni Had Cardiac Arrest From Vaccine!
It’s now tradition for anti-vaccination activists to blame all sudden deaths or illnesses on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Here are the reasons why this is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated by anti-vaccination activists…
Fact #1 : Cris Lencioni Suffered Cardiac Arrest While Training
Cris “Sunshine” Lencioni (born July 18, 1994) is an American mixed martial artist (MMA) fighting in the Featherweight division of Bellator MMA.
According to his mother-in-law, Angela Hibbard, and his wife, Marca, Cris Lencioni suffered a cardiac arrest while training on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
The athletes at the gym quickly called 911, and tried to help him until the paramedics arrested. The gym – Sunshine Athletics also confirmed the incident, stating that:
As many of y’all have now heard, our head coach, Professor Cris “Sunshine” Lencioni @crissunshinemma suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on Thursday 6/8/2023 while training.
Those present on-scene immediately took action, calling 911 and doing their best to assist Cris immediately until paramedics could arrive. We are infinitely grateful for their care!
Cris is currently recovering in the ICU and has been under the care of an incredible team of medical professionals with his wife Marca and much of his family by his side.
His mother-in-law has set-up a GoFundMe to help support his family during this difficult time.
Fact #2 : Cardiac Arrest Is Common In Young Athletes
Anti-vaccination activists falsely claim that young, healthy people do not suddenly collapse from cardiac arrest. The truth is many young athletes do suddenly collapse from sudden cardiac arrest, and many don’t survive unless they receive medical attention quickly.
The United States alone records over half a million cases of sudden cardiac arrest cases every year – an incidence of about 130 per 100,000 individuals per year. Many people have undiagnosed heart conditions that may not produce noticeable symptoms in daily life, but could result in sudden cardiac arrest at any time.
The risk of developing sudden cardiac arrest increases during strenuous activities, which is why many US states enacted laws requiring automated external defibrillators (AED) to be made available in health clubs, gyms, schools, and other public places.
And no, COVID-19 vaccines do NOT cause cardiac arrests, no matter what anti-vaccination activists may claim.
Neither can COVID-19 vaccines prevent people from getting cardiac arrests, or dying from them.
Fact #3 : Unknown If Cris Lencioni Was Vaccinated Against COVID-19
Cris Lencioni has never publicly revealed his vaccination status, so it is unknown if he ever received the COVID-19 vaccine. After all, the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory in the United States.
Cris Lencioni notably came out against wearing the face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identified as being “anti mask” and/or “conservative” (Twitter thread):
I’ve never stated anything as a fact on this covid unlike y’all, other than a fact which is, all the mma reporting is attacking anti mask people/conservatives. Period. That is a fact.
I don’t see your mob shaming people not wearing gloves, just masks right? All to fit the agenda. Remember all of this for the future generations, what is being done to these kids is catastrophic.
Everyone knew it was going to be like the flu where a majority got it, herd immunity, life goes on
While that suggests that Cris Lencioni may be similarly hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccines, it doesn’t mean he was unvaccinated.
Until and unless Cris or his family reveals his vaccination status, anyone who tells you that Cris Lencioni suffered a COVID-19 vaccine side effect is likely lying to you.
Fact #4 : Vaccine Side Effects Appear Within Hours / Days
Even if Chris Lencioni was fully vaccinated against COVID-19, he would have been fully-vaccinated more than two years ago!
He cannot possibly have suffered from a vaccine side effect, because they appear within hours or days, not years later.
Mild side effects like injection site pain, fever, muscle ache, headache, lethargy develop within minutes to hours of the vaccination.
Anaphylaxis develops within minutes, while other severe adverse reactions like myocarditis and VITT develop within days or weeks.
The spike proteins produced by the COVID-19 vaccines also do not stick around for months. If these spike proteins are permanent (as antivaxxers claim), we would have lifelong immunity.
Your own immune system will identify the spike proteins as foreign, and destroy them within a matter of days, although some may last for up to a few weeks. This is part of how vaccines teach your immune system to identify the enemy and destroy it.
Fact #5 : Claims Of COVID-19 Vaccine Injuries Often Proven False
Most claims of sudden deaths / injuries due to the COVID-19 vaccine have been proven false. Here is the latest dozen of other false sudden death claims!
Will these anti-vaccination activists apologise for lying to you? Nope! They will just move on to the next celebrity tragedy…
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Did the WHO just recommend the PERMANENT use of face mask to combat COVID-19?!
Claim : WHO Recommends Permanent Use Of Face Mask!
People are sharing a Substack article called “WHO Unbelievably Recommends Permanent Masking, While New Study Confirms Vaccine Mandates Were Useless” with comments like these:
Steve Kirsch : In a remarkable feat of anti-science commitment, the WHO recently reaffirmed that it will join the CDC in reaffirming its absolute dedication to universal mask wearing to stop the spread of COVID. You can’t make this stuff up… you really can’t.
The WHO and the CDC now joining forces to mandate mask wearing. 🤡🌎
Despite Years of Failure, WHO Unbelievably Recommends Permanent Masking, While New Study Confirms Vaccine Mandates Were Useless
The W.H.O. & C.D.C move on mask mandates, regardless of science, days before the Biden Administration plans to hand over our nation’s sovereignty to the W.H.O. on the 27th?
Truth : WHO Did Not Recommend Permanent Use Of Face Mask!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated by anti-vaccination activists, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Article Offered No Evidence Of WHO Face Mask Mandate
The claim that the WHO has recommended the permanent use of face mask is based on a single Substack article by Ian Miller, specifically these parts.
Experts got vaccine mandates horribly wrong, while the WHO demands permanent masking in defiance of scientific evidence.
In a remarkable feat of anti-science commitment the World Health Organization recently reaffirmed that it will join the CDC in reaffirming its absolute dedication to universal mask wearing to stop the spread of COVID.
It would be remarkable if it’s true, but the writer did not actually offer any evidence to back up that claim.
Fact #2 : WHO Only Recommends Using Face Mask In Specific Situations
The article likely refers to a 13 January 2023 update by the WHO on its face mask wearing guidelines.
WHO has not changed its recommendation that the public should still continue to use a face mask in specific situations:
a recent exposure to COVID-19
when you have COVID-19
when you suspect you may have COVID-19
when you are at high-risk of severe COVID-19
if you are in a crowded, enclosed, or poorly-ventilated space
So the claim that the WHO is demanding / recommending the permanent use of face mask, or a face mask all the time, is nonsense.
Fact #3 : WHO Only Changed Previous Advice On Epidemiological Situation
The only change WHO made was to recommend the use of a face mask in the situations above, regardless of the epidemiological situation – whether there is significant COVID-19 spread at the time and place, or not.
The WHO made the slight change in its face mask recommendation due to the “current spread of COVID-19 globally”. As COVID-19 is now widespread globally, it no longer makes sense to make those face mask recommendations based on the epidemiological situation.
WHO continues to recommend the use of masks by the public in specific situations, and this update recommends their use irrespective of the local epidemiological situation, given the current spread of the COVID-19 globally.
Masks are recommended following a recent exposure to COVID-19, when someone has or suspects they have COVID-19, when someone is at high-risk of severe COVID-19, and for anyone in a crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated space. Previously, WHO recommendations were based on the epidemiological situation.
Fact #4 : WHO Guidelines Are Not Mandatory
The claims that the WHO is “demanding” the use of a face mask is nonsense.
These WHO guidelines and recommendations are not mandatory for any person or country to adopt.
Fact #5 : WHO Cannot Supersede National Sovereignty
The claims that countries are handing over their sovereignty to the WHO to implement such face mask / vaccine mandates is nonsense.
The Charter of the United Nations guarantees the sovereign right to determine and manage their approach to public health. This was specifically pointed out in the zero draft of a proposed WHO agreement on preparing for future pandemics:
3. Sovereignty – States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, the sovereign right to determine and manage their approach to public health, notably pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery of health systems, pursuant to their own policies and legislation, provided that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to their peoples and other countries. Sovereignty also covers the rights of States over their biological resources.
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COVID-19 positive voters can still vote on the 15th General Election, but they must follow these SPR requirements…
GE15 SOP For COVID-19 Positive Voters!
If you just tested positive for COVID-19, don’t worry – you can still vote on 19 November 2022, when Malaysia holds its 15th General Election (GE15).
On Tuesday, 15 November 2022, the Malaysia Election Commission (SPR) released their SOP for how COVID-19 positive people can vote during GE15.
Please go through it, and follow them, to ensure that you can cast your votes on GE15:
Before Election Day
COVID-19 positive voters must complete a special health form that they will receive via SMS.
Candidates and political party employees who test positive for COVID-19 are FORBIDDEN from conducting any physical election campaign activities. However, they can still conduct virtual campaigns during their Home Surveillance Order (HSO) period.
On Election Day
COVID-19 positive voters are FORBIDDEN from taking public transportation, including e-hailing rides, to get to the voting centres.
COVID-19 positive voters are REQUIRED to wear a face mask, and must often sanitise their hands.
COVID-19 positive voters are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitiser and pen.
COVID-19 positive voters must report their infectious status to Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) officials stationed at the entrance to the voting centres.
KKM officials at voting centres will check your COVID-19 risk assessment in MySejahtera.
COVID-19 positive voters are REQUIRED to wear a face mask at all times, except when asked to remove it for identification at the polling station.
COVID-19 positive voters will be escorted by KKM officials to the polling station (Saluran) and given priority, to avoid mixing with other voters.
Safe physical distancing must be maintained at all times, especially when COVID-19 positive voters face election officials and remove their face mask (for identification).
COVID-19 positive voters MUST use a hand sanitiser, before dipping their finger into the indelible ink.
Let the indelible ink dry.
Place your mobile phone in the allocated place and sanitise your hands with a hand sanitiser before making your vote.
KKM officials will monitor the process from time to time.
COVID-19 positive voters must IMMEDIATELY leave the voting centre, after voting and continue with their HSO quarantine at their own homes.
The SPR are advising all COVID-19 positive voters to come at least two hours before the closing time of their voting centre.
GE15 Process For COVID-19 Positive Voters!
SPR also created a flow chart of the voting process for COVID-19 positive persons, which I will summarise in this sequence:
On arrival at the voting centre, you must report your health status to the KKM officer stationed there.
The KKM officer will check you COVID-19 risk status in the MySejahtera profile page, while also checking your polling station (Saluran).
You are REQUIRED to wear a face mask, and clean your hands with a hand sanitiser.
The KKM officer will escort you to your polling station (Saluran), and you will be given priority to avoid mixing with other voters.
At the polling station, you must maintain a safe physical distance from the election clerk and KKM officer when you remove your face mask for identification purposes.
You must use a hand sanitiser to clean your hands BEFORE you dip your finger into the indelible ink.
You must let the indelible ink dry, and then use a hand sanitiser again after placing your phone in a designated spot.
You will then be given your paper ballot.
Now, you can go to the voting booth to mark your paper ballot.
After casting your vote, you must immediately leave the voting center, and return home to complete your HSO quarantine.
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Passengers are no longer required to wear a face mask onboard planes flying to and from Malaysia! Here is what you need to know…
Malaysia : Face Mask No Longer Mandatory On Planes!
On 28 September 2022, the Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin announced that passengers are no longer required to wear a face mask on planes flying to and from Malaysia, except when they are compulsory in destination countries.
With immediate effect (28 September 2022), passengers onboard commercial flights are no longer required to wear a face mask.
This move follows the Ministry’s earlier move to relax face mask requirements in public indoor spaces on 7 September 2022.
Based on the current assessment of the Covid-19 situation and taking into account the latest requirements, the ministry has decided that face masks are no longer mandatory when on board aircraft.
– Khairy Jamaluddin, Malaysia Minister of Health
However, the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) still strongly encourages the use of face masks for these groups of passengers :
individuals with symptoms like fever, cough and flu
high-risk individuals like senior citizens, those with chronic diseases, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women
those travelling with high-risk individuals like senior citizens and children
In addition, passengers may still be required by the destination country to wear a face mask. So bring along a face mask just in case, even if you prefer not to wear one during your flight.
The requirement to wear a face mask on an aeroplane is still subject to conditions set by the country being visited.
Face Mask No Longer Mandatory On Malaysia Airlines + AirAsia Planes!
Following the Malaysian government’s announcement, both Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia announced the next day that their passengers will no longer be required to wear a face mask, with immediate effect.
Malaysia Airlines
Effective immediately, passengers of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, and AMAL are no longer required to wear face masks onboard, except where compulsory in destination countries.
The relaxation of the face mask mandate follows the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s guideline on 28 September 2022 to remove the mask requirement onboard commercial aircraft.
The use of face masks is however strongly recommended for the following group of passengers:
Passengers with symptoms such as fever, cough and cold.
High-risk passengers such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases.
Passengers with low immunity and pregnant mothers; and
Passengers who travel with high-risk people such as elderly and children.
All MAG airlines are committed to providing a safe and smooth end-to-end travel experience in accordance with its MHFlySafe commitment, allowing customers to fly confidently.
Airline protective measures include:
The cabin air circulation system, where cabin air is refreshed 20-30 times an hour
The use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that can filter 99.9% of airborne contaminants, including viruses and bacteria.
Frequent aircraft cleaning disinfection following guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the World Health Organization
Aircrafts are operated by fully vaccinated pilots and cabin crew.
AirAsia
Following the announcement by the Malaysian government that face masks are no longer mandatory on flights, AirAsia Malaysia (AK) has exempted the use of face masks on its flights effective immediately.
The use of face masks on board flights is optional for AirAsia Malaysia (AK) guests, unless they are travelling to or from destinations that require a face mask. Guests who wish to wear a face mask on board may continue to do so.
As safety is our highest priority, AirAsia will continue to operate with the strictest safety standards. All our aircraft are equipped with powerful HEPA filters that remove 99.99% of dust particles and airborne contaminants including viruses and bacteria. The cabin air is completely refreshed every three minutes to ensure the highest possible quality of air throughout your flight.
We will continue to update the guidelines on the use of face masks on board for all other markets that we operate in as we return to the skies.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The Malaysia Ministry of Education just released its latest face mask rules for schools!
Here is what you need to know…
Latest Face Mask Rules For Schools In Malaysia!
On 10 September 2022, the Malaysia Ministry of Education (KPM) released the latest face mask rules for schools.
These new face mask rules apply to all educational institutions under the Ministry of Education, as well as those not registered with the ministry, including educational institutions run by the state government.
Face Mask Is Now Optional
KPM has now made the face mask optional in schools, whether indoors or outdoors.
However, KPM recommends that students and teachers wear a face mask in educational institutions, especially where it is crowded.
Face Mask Required Indoors If Symptomatic
Individuals who are symptomatic with a fever, cough or flu, are still REQUIRED to wear a face mask while indoors.
However, the wearing of face mask is optional when outdoors, even for individuals who are symptomatic.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 while in an educational institution or a dormitory are REQUIRED to wear a face mask while travelling to the COVID-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) or a nearby health facility for a health check.
Face Mask Required In School Bus / Van / Public Transport
Students are still REQUIRED to wear a face mask while travelling in a school bus or van, or whenever they are taking public transportation like a public bus, train, taxi or an e-hailing ride.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The wearing of face mask indoors will now be optional, but strongly encouraged for:
public places that are crowded like night markets, stadiums, shopping malls and places of worship.
individuals with symptoms like fever, cough and flu
high-risk individuals like senior citizens, people suffering from chronic illness, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant mothers
individuals conducting any kind of activity with high-risk individuals like senior citizens and children
However, premise owners will be allowed to decide whether customers will be required to wear a face mask to enter their premises.
When Wearing Face Mask Indoor Is Mandatory
There are a few instances in which wearing a face mask is still mandatory indoors:
individuals who test positive for COVID-19
individuals using public transportation like bus, train, taxi (including e-hailing rides), airplane, as well as bus and vans transporting school children or workers.
when in health facilities like hospitals, clinics, care centre, haemodialysis centre, and so on.
The Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) also reminds the public that while the face mask mandate for outdoors was abolished on 1 May 2022, it still encourages people to wear a face mask when:
in public places that are crowded
when you have symptoms like fever, cough and flu
if you are a high-risk individual
if you are planning to undertake activities with high-risk individuals like senior citizens and children
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
You will not longer be required to wear a face mask, or physically distance, during air travel to and from EU countries!
Here is what you need to know…
EU Air Travel : Face Mask + Physical Distancing Not Required!
On 11 May 2022, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a joint statement, dropping their recommendation for the mandatory wearing of a face mask as well as physical distancing in airports and on flights.
From Monday, 16 May 2022 onwards, you will no longer be required to wear a face mask at airports, or onboard a flight across the European Union.
However, travellers with respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) are strongly recommended to wear a face mask.
Airports are also no longer required to strictly implement physical distancing. Rather, they should adopt “a pragmatic approach”, and avoid imposing distancing requirements if they “will likely lead to a bottleneck”.
Airport operators are also not required to impose physical distancing if they are “not required at national or regional level”.
That said, they are still asking airport operators to encourage physical distancing where possible, particularly in the meet and greet areas and around baggage carousels.
Face Mask + Physical Distancing Not Required In EU, But Still Recommended!
While the EU will no longer require you to wear a face mask, or impose strict physical distancing during air travel, they are both still highly recommended to prevent COVID-19.
Here are selected excerpts from the latest EASA and ECDC guidelines (PDF) for air travel in the European Union :
Medical Face Masks
Medical face masks (hereafter referred to also as ‘face masks’) are among the most efficient means to prevent the transmission of SARS-COV-2 including existing VOCs. As such, the wearing of masks should be considered in crowded indoor and outdoor settings, including air travel.
If the departure or destination States require wearing of face masks in public transport, aircraft operators should require passengers and crew to wear a face mask beyond 16 May 2022.
In other cases, starting 16 May 2022, aircraft and aerodrome operators should continue to encourage passengers and crew members, as part of their pre-flight communications as well as during travel through signage and announcements, to wear a face mask during flight as well as in the airport as a way to protect themselves and others and that they should respect others’ decision to wear or to not wear a mask.
In their communication, operators should highlight that people at high risk for severe COVID-19 are advised to wear an FFP2 respirator mask during the flight for their own protection. Experimental studies indicate that respirators are more effective than medical face masks both in limiting the release of infectious respiratory droplets when worn by the infectious source and in limiting the exposure when worn by the exposed person.
People with respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) are strongly recommended to wear a medical face mask irrespective of the requirements on that particular flight.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing, alongside the proper wearing of face masks, has proven among the most effective non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 (including VOCs) transmission. Physical distancing should be encouraged in all airport areas, the arrival terminal (with a particular focus for the meet and greet area) and around the baggage carousels. Signage and communication material should continue to encourage physical distancing where possible.
However, implementation experience has shown that in some cases, strict physical distancing measures in the aviation environment (airport and aircraft) is not operationally feasible and creates additional unintended bottlenecks in other areas, increasing the exposure times and leading to operational delays touching the flight time limitation requirements and, consequently, flight safety. Physical distancing could therefore be added to the use of face masks where operationally feasible and where it does not result in additional crowding in other areas. If physical distancing measures cannot be implemented, the use of face masks should be encouraged for passengers.
PPE For Airline / Airport Crew + Staff
Airport operators, aircraft operators and service providers/suppliers should provide the necessary PPE to their staff members and ensure that they are trained in its appropriate use:
— Staff members who interact with passengers directly (e.g. cabin crew members, security check agents, assistants for passengers with reduced mobility, cleaning staff, etc.) should be encouraged to properly wear a medical face mask or, where available and the legal framework permits, a higher-standard face mask (e.g. FFP2/N95/KN95 respirators).
— Staff should be encouraged to practise respiratory hygiene at all times as well as frequent hand hygiene, either via appropriate hand-washing or by applying an alcohol-based hand disinfectant. The use of a protective gown or a one-use plastic apron can be considered for tasks that may expose staff to splashes.
— Flight crew members should be encouraged to wear a face mask whenever interacting with, or in the proximity of, other people. Once they are in the flight compartment and the door is closed, flight crew members may remove their masks subject to their operator’s policy and mutual agreement. Furthermore, the flight’s crew members should remove their masks for emergency situations and whenever requested by appropriate authorities for official purposes such as identification or alcohol testing.
— Aircraft operators should have on board one or more Universal Precaution Kits (UPKs. Such kits should be used by crew members who are assisting passengers with COVID-
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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Starting Sunday, May 1, 2022, all individuals – irrespective of vaccination status – will NO LONGER be required to wear a face mask while outdoors.
That said, the Malaysia Ministry of Health strongly recommends that you continue to wear a face mask outdoors, if possible. It will just be optional, and no longer mandatory.
However, please note that you are still required to wear a face mask whenever you enter an indoor premise (including shopping malls, schools and offices) or public transport (including e-hailing rides).
The government will continue to enforce the face mask mandate for indoor premises and public transport, except for these indoor situations :
performing heavy exercises (like in a gym)
alone within a specific space (like in your own office)
while you are eating or drinking
while you are giving a speech or presentation
while you are performing on stage
The Health Minister stressed the importance of wearing the face mask indoors, and on public transport, as ventilation is not as good as outdoors.
Even though it is not mandatory, the Malaysia Ministry of Health strongly recommends that you wear a face mask while in crowded situations outdoors (like at a Ramadan bazaar or a stadium).
They also strongly recommend that you wear a face mask if you are symptomatic, or are about to visit vulnerable individuals like the elderly, or people who are immunocompromised.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Just two days after announcing that all non-medical face masks must be SIRIM-certified by 4 July 2022, the government delayed it to 2023!
Here is what you need to know about this new requirement!
Non-Medical Face Mask Must Be SIRIM-Certified By 2023
On 5 April 2022, the Trade Descriptions (Certification & Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order 2022 (download) was gazetted under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
It required all non-medical face mask manufacturers and importers to apply for MS SIRIM certification, and labelling from SIRIM QAS International Sdn. Bhd.
This new requirement will ensure that all non-medical face masks sold in Malaysia will comply with safety standards that already exist for respirators and medical face masks.
It will also prevent the dumping of poor quality / substandard face masks in Malaysia, which may not offer adequate protection against COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Just two days after the gazettement, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that the SIRIM certification for non-medical masks is now postponed to 1 January 2023!
I want to assure consumers to not be overly worried as if this gazettement will cause a price hike. Number one, I already warned manufacturers and importers to not use this as a reason to hike up prices.
Secondly, to users, we will be heading to a time whereby face masks will no longer be mandatory, but before it goes there that is why I announce that we had already fixed July 4 for the enforcement in this gazettement for face masks and after taking into consideration the feedback from all parties, we, this evening, already discussed and have agreed that the enforcement be postponed to January 1, 2023.
SIRIM Requirement For Non-Medical Face Masks From 2023 Onwards
From 1 January 2023 onwards, all non-medical face masks sold in Malaysia must be SIRIM-certified, and have a SIRIM label clearly printed on the box or packaging.
Non-medical face masks (defined as any face mask which covers mouth and nose other than medical face mask regulated under the Medical Device Act 2012 [Act 737]) will have to comply with one of these standards :
SIRIM 40,
CWA 17553, or
AFNOR SPEC S76-001.
Companies that fail to comply, can be fined up to RM200,000 for the first offence, and up to RM500,000 for the second and subsequent offences.
Individuals that fail to comply, can be fined up to RM100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 3 years for the first offence. For the second and subsequent offences, they can be fined up to RM250,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 5 years.
Please note that this requirement only applies to manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks.
Despite the social media uproar, individuals will NOT be fined or jailed for wearing a non-medical face mask that is not SIRIM certified.
Always verify the facts first, when you see such social media comments or posts.
SIRIM Certification Process For Non-Medical Face Masks
Manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks should proceed with the SIRIM certification process, which consists of :
Enquiries
Issuance of Quotation
Application
Document Evaluation
Initial Audit
Sample Selection and Testing
Recommendation and Approval
Purchase of SIRIM Label
Surveillance Audit
Renewal
Here are the application forms for the SIRIM certification of non-medical face masks :
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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Denmark is the first EU country to lift all COVID-19 restrictions, fully opening up despite a massive surge in cases.
Find out why they are able to do that… again.
Denmark Is First EU Country To Lift All COVID-19 Laws!
On Tuesday, 1 February 2022, Denmark became the first country in the European Union to lift all COVID-19 restrictions… again.
Wearing of face masks is no longer mandatory on public transport, shops and standing clients in restaurant indoor areas.
Face masks will only be recommended in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and nursing homes.
The COVID-19 digital pass is no longer required to enter nightclubs, cafes, party buses, and to be seated indoors in restaurants, unless required by individual event organisers.
There will no longer be limits on the number of people allowed in indoor gatherings.
Social distancing measures will no longer be required.
The Danish government no longer considers COVID-19 to be a “socially critical sickness“, even as the country experienced a massive surge in cases.
There is one notable exception though – unvaccinated travellers, or those who were not previously infected between 11 and 180 days ago, must undergo a COVID-19 test before being allowed to enter Denmark.
Some antivaxxers are already touting the move by Denmark as evidence that COVID-19 is not serious. After all, they will point out – Denmark currently has the second-highest infection rate in the world.
That’s an intentionally misleading, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Denmark Has Very High Vaccination Rates
Danish Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said that “widespread vaccination and boosters have helped the country open up again“, and it shows :
Over 81% of people 5 years and older have been fully-vaccinated.
Over 61% of people 12 years and older received their booster dose
Jens Lundgren, a professor of viral diseases at the Copenhagen University Hospital said, “We have been very successful in our national vaccine programme throughout 2021, a lot of people have received two vaccination shots, and a lot have received three doses as well, and many of those doses were provided in the fourth quarter of 2021.”
Fact #2 : Denmark Has Very Low ICU + Death Rates
Thanks to the high levels of vaccinations, Denmark has experienced very low levels of ICU usage and mortality rates.
Even though they are experiencing a massive surge in new COVID-19 cases, the number of people in ICUs have fallen to only 32.
Even people dying today is far lower than the peak in December 2020, when Denmark experienced far fewer COVID-19 cases.
Danish Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said, “the number of hospitalizations and patients in intensive care is decreasing every day, thanks to vaccination“.
Søren Brostrøm, director-general of Denmark’s Health Authority concurred, “At the same time as infections are skyrocketing, patients admitted to intensive care actually going down. It’s around 30 people in ICU beds right now with a COVID-19 diagnosis, out of a population of 6 million.”
Fact #3 : Denmark May Reimpose Restrictions
The Danish authorities held out the possibility that COVID-19 restrictions may return, as it is too early to know whether there will be a new variant that needs to be addressed.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Danish radio, “I dare not say that it is a final goodbye to restrictions. We do not know what will happen in the fall, whether there will be a new variant.”
Denmark had actually lifted all COVID-19 restrictions in September 2021, but reimposed them in the first of a third wave of infections.
So it will not be surprising if they do reimpose COVID-19 restrictions should a new virulent COVID-19 variant start spreading.
Fact #4 : Denmark May Introduce A Fourth Dose
Despite the elation over the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the government has warned that Denmark could see a rise in infections in the coming weeks.
Health Minister Magnus Heunicke called on Danes to get tested regularly, so that the country could “react quickly if necessary”.
In addition to the reinstatement of COVID-19 restrictions, the Danish government may introduce a fourth vaccine dose.
I should also point out that Denmark almost exclusively uses mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. They stopped using AstraZeneca and J&J vaccines, citing the risk of rare blood clots.
We can all enjoy the same privilege as the Danes, by adopting the same common sense approach they have.
Help us reach the same goal, by vaccinating yourself and your family against COVID-19!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Did Britain end its COVID-19 vaccine and face mask mandates?
Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Britain Ends COVID-19 Vaccine + Face Mask Mandates!
This message has gone viral on WhatsApp, claiming that Britain has ended its COVID-19 vaccine and face mask mandates.
It’s rather long, so just skip to the next section for the facts…
Experimental Shots No Longer Mandated!!!
2 minute speech by UK PM Boris Johnson says it all.
20th Jan 2022 !!!
Britain will NO LONGER MANDATE the Covid-19 vaccine shots and use of face masks!
Britain to ‘Treat Coronavirus Like a Cold’ Ends all Covid Restrictions
Here’s what you need to know:
▪️Working from home – DROPPED
▪️Mask Mandate – DROPPED from Thursday
▪️Vaccine Passport or ( equivalent to Malaysia’s Sejahtera Fully Vaccinated status requirement to enter business premises) is no longer necessary – DROPPED (Jan 27, 2022)
▪️Self-Isolation to expire March 24, 2022
– A limit on the number of people who can attend outdoor events was removed table service-only rules and a three household limit will also be abolished.
rule of six, table service and 2m social distancing for hospitality will be axed from Jan 28, 2022
*In the UK, it means that you are now no longer forced to be vaccinated. *
The best news in 2 years for the UK.
No more mandatory face masks !
No more vaccine passports ( equivalent to Unvaccinated individuals are allowed to enter business premises, schools, churches)
Truth : Only England Ended Face Mask + COVID-19 Pass Mandates
This is yet another example of antivaxxers twisting actual news to create a false narrative.
Fact #1 : Great Britain Consists Of England, Wales + Scotland
First, we need to understand that Great Britain consists of England, Wales and Scotland, while the United Kingdom consists of Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
This is important because both Scotland and Wales have their own legislatures, their own Parliaments. Therefore, they may implement different rules from England.
Fact #2 : England Ends Plan B Measures, Not Britain
On 20 January 2022, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that Plan B measures for England will end.
This announcement only affects England, and not the entire Great Britain as the fake news claims.
Fact #3 : Plan B Restrictions Are Temporary
The fake news suggested that these restrictions were in place for the last 2 years. That’s completely misleading.
These Plan B restrictions only started on 15 December 2021 to combat the Omicron surge. That means they only lasted 6 weeks, not 2 years.
In addition, Plan B restrictions can always be restored. It all depends on the situation.
Fact #4 : England Ends Face Mask + COVID Pass Mandates
England will drop these Plan B restrictions on Thursday, 27 January 2022 :
Face masks are no longer mandated in public places, but people are still advised to wear them in enclosed or crowded spaces, or when meeting strangers
Secondary school students are no longer required to wear face masks in classrooms.
The mandatory COVID pass (NHS COVID Pass) is no longer required for nightclubs and large public events, but organisations can choose to require it if they wish.
People are no longer advised to work from home, and should consider returning to offices.
Fact #5 : Wales + Scotland Are Maintaining Some Restrictions
Both Wales and Scotland are maintaining some restrictions that are being lifted in England :
Wales
COVID passes are still required for large events, cinemas, nightclubs and theatres.
Face masks are still compulsory in schools, on public transport, and in shops and hospitals.
Scotland
COVID certification is still required for some venues, including night clubs.
Organisers of large events must check the COVID status of at least 50% of attendees, or 1,000 people, whichever is larger.
Face masks are still compulsory on public transport, and most indoor spaces.
So the claim that Britain no longer has those mandates is, well, false…
Interestingly, the fake news actually includes a link to this information. So the fake news creator is well-aware of this fact, but chose to lie to you instead.
Fact #6 : COVID Pass Mandate Only For Night Clubs + Large Events
The fake news claimed that the COVID pass was required to enter business premises, schools and churches.
unseated indoor events with 500 or more attendees,
unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees, and
any event with 10,000 or more attendees.
Fact #7 : Vaccine Passport Includes Recent Negative Test Results
The term “vaccine passport” isn’t accurate, as the domestic NHS COVID Pass includes recent negative test results.
In other words, even unvaccinated people can obtain a domestic NHS COVID Pass, if they tested negative for COVID-19 recently.
Fact #8 : UK Never Had A COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
The fake news claimed that Britain will no longer mandate COVID-19 vaccinations.
That’s utter nonsense, because there was never a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the UK to begin with.
No one in the UK is forced to get vaccinated against COVID-19. That’s why there are still about 6.25 million unvaccinated people in the UK – 9.3% of its population.
Fact #9 : UK Has Very High Vaccination Rates
There is, frankly, no need for a COVID-19 vaccination mandate in the United Kingdom, because they have fully-vaccinated over 83% of their population.
In other words, the United Kingdom has the option to live with COVID-19, because most of their people are protected against COVID-19.
If they get infected with COVID-19, most cases will be mild and will not require hospitalisation. The risk of severe disease and death is greatly reduced by vaccines.
If you want the chance to enjoy the same freedom, it’s very simple – get vaccinated against COVID-19!
Fact #10 : COVID-19 Vaccines Are NOT Experimental
Once the COVID-19 vaccines successfully completed their clinical trials and received their EUA, they were NO LONGER EXPERIMENTAL.
The conditions to receive the EUA is similar to that of a full approval. The only real difference is the post-study follow-up :
EUA : At least half of the participants in the studies must be followed for at least two months after vaccination.
Full FDA Approval : All of the participants in the studies must be followed for at least six months.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Can sunlight sanitise your N95 / KN95 / surgical face mask so you can reuse them for weeks or months?
Find out why this claim has resurfaced, and what the facts really are!
Claim : Sunlight Can Sanitise Your Face Mask For Weeks Of Reuse!
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, personal protection equipment (PPE) like N95 face masks quickly became scarce, so scientists looked at whether they could be sanitised and reused.
When a May 2020 study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases showed the sunlight could potentially kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, people started sharing advice on sanitising face masks using sunlight.
Infectious disease physician Dr. Faheem Younus recently reignited this claim, when he reshared the same study on Twitter and offered his “pro tip” :
Buy two KN95 masks. Wear one today, leave the other in a paper bag, in your car. Alternate daily.
Keep alternating these 2 masks for weeks / months as long as they fit.
Sunlight kills ~90% of the SARS-CoV2 virus in 7 minutes!
Pro Tip:
Buy two KN95 masks. Wear one today, leave the other in a paper bag, in your car. Alternate daily.
Keep alternating these 2 masks for weeks/months as long as they fit.
People started sharing his advice on social media – Facebook and Twitter, and even on WhatsApp.
But is Dr. Younus correct? Let’s find out…
Truth : Sunlight CANNOT Sanitise Your Face Mask For Weeks Of Reuse!
Here is the short and simple truth – sunlight cannot sanitise your N95 / KN95 / surgical face mask for weeks or months of reuse!
And here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Study Used Simulated Sunlight On Simulated Saliva
The study that Dr. Faheem Younus shared was published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases on 20 May 2020.
That study showed that simulated sunlight “may rapidly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces” – 90% of infectious virus in simulated saliva was inactivated every 6.8 minutes. That much is correct.
However, the study was a preliminary look at how natural sunlight “may” be an effective disinfectant against COVID-19.
The study does NOT actually prove that sunlight can adequately sanitise N95 / KN95 / surgical face masks.
Fact #2 : Study Only Looked At Non-Porous Surfaces
The study only tested the effect of simulated sunlight on non-porous surfaces – simulated saliva / culture media on stainless steel coupons.
The results of that study on non-porous surfaces cannot be used to deduce the effect of sunlight on porous surfaces.
Face masks may have a hydrophobic outer layer, but they all have to be porous to allow air to pass through.
That not only allows the SARS-CoV-2 virus to penetrate into the inner filter layer, it would likely make it harder for sunlight to penetrate into the inner filter layer to sanitise it.
Fact #3 : Car Windows Often Block UV Rays
Modern car windows often block UV rays, especially the front windshield. The sanitising effect of sunlight is therefore greatly reduced.
The UV ray blocking effect is even higher in cars that have window films applied to block solar radiation.
In short, placing your N95 / KN95 / surgical face mask on the dashboard may not adequately sanitise them.
Fact #4 : Paper Bag Blocks Sunlight
This may seem obvious, but it has to be said – paper bags block sunlight.
Dr. Younus’ advice to place the used face mask in a paper bag negates the sanitising effect of sunlight by directly blocking it!
Even without the UV-blocking properties of modern laminated glass and solar films, the paper bag would ensure that ZERO sunlight reaches the face mask inside.
Fact #5 : Face Masks Are Contaminated By Other Microbes Too
Even if you hang your face mask on the clothesline for sunlight to directly sanitise it for several hours, it may not be that safe to reuse.
When you wear a face mask, its inner hydrophilic layer readily absorbs moisture and microbes from your breath.
And when you speak, this same layer absorbs your saliva, tiny bits of food and of course, microbes from your mouth.
These microbes that were absorbed into the hydrophilic inner layer will multiply and could pose a health risk, should you keep reusing the same face mask over and over again.
Even hanging the face mask in sunlight for hours may not adequately sanitise the hydrophilic inner layer.
Fact #6 : N95 Face Masks May Be Safely Reused For Up To 3 Times
In April 2020, the US NIH tested four decontamination methods that would allow for N95 face masks to be safely reused, up to 3 times.
ethanol spray : safely reuse once
70°C dry heat : safely reuse twice
ultraviolet light : safely reuse twice
vaporised hydrogen peroxide : safely reuse three times
There is simply no decontamination method that would allow any N95 / KN95 / surgical face mask to be reused for weeks or months!
I should point out that the US NIH is not recommending the use of sunlight to disinfect the N95 respirators, but a high-powered LED UV germicidal lamp placed just 50 cm away from the respirator for about an hour.
Even dry heat at 70°C in an oven takes about an hour to reasonably decontaminate the face mask.
For those of us at home who may want to “stretch” the use of our face masks, you can use a 70% ethanol spray to quickly decontaminate our face mask and reuse it once.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Fact #2 : It Is Dangerous To Wear Gloves At Gas / Petrol Station!
No matter what social media tells you – you should NEVER wear gloves at a gas / petrol station.
Plastic gloves like what you see in these pictures generate static electricity, and may spark a fire when you refill your car!
Instead of protecting you from COVID-19, you may end up sparking a dangerous fire while refuelling your vehicle!
Fact #3 : Latex / Nitrile Gloves May Not Protect You
Some automotive experts are recommending that motorists opt for latex or nitrile gloves, because they will not generate static electricity like plastic gloves.
That is bad advice.
Yes, latex and nitrile gloves will protect your hands from touching contaminated surfaces. But many people actually contaminate themselves while removing their gloves.
Unless you are a healthcare worker who is familiar on how to properly wear and remove rubber / nitrile gloves without contaminating yourself, you should not wear them.
But if you absolutely must wear them, it is best to sanitise the gloves before you remove them. And make sure you sanitise your hands right after removing your gloves
Fact #4 : COVID-19 Spreads Through People
The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads through droplets and aerosols from infected people. It does not spread by touch.
Hence, the best policy for gas / petrol stations is to insist that EVERYONE must wear a face mask.
This prevents direct transmission by droplets, and greatly cuts down on aerosols. And best of all – it prevents the gas / petrol pump surfaces from being contaminated!
If everyone wears a face mask, fomites – contaminated surfaces or objects – will be virtually non-existent.
Fact #5 : You Can’t Get Contaminated If You Sanitise Your Hands!
Instead of worrying so much about getting your hands contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, just sanitise them!
If you are super worried, spread alcohol-based hand sanitiser onto the buttons and handle of the gas / petrol pump.
But the key thing is to either wash your hands with soap and water after using the pump, or sanitise them using hand sanitiser (with at least 60% alcohol).
You can’t get COVID-19 from contaminated surfaces if you always keep your hands clean!
This isn’t just my advice, this is what the US CDC recommends too!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The video naturally went viral on social media, and netizens soon identified him as Shyamalan Jaganathan, a 33-year old licensing consultant who once worked for the Echez Group.
Echez Group has since announced that Shyamalan has not worked with them since 2018, stating :
We want to express to you that this person does not work with us since 2018 and does not represent the values and principles of our company.
We have already taken the necessary measures so that he can no longer use our name in social networks.
Echez Group respects and promotes among its employees, collaborators, and associates the application of the Biosafety protocols required in each geography where we have presence.
When his MyKad and His LinkedIn profile became public, Shyamalan quickly deleted his LinkedIn account.
Unfortunately, that didn’t stop netizens from coming across and sharing a video of a previous encounter in which he was abusive to another gym user.
“You Wanna Kena Whacked” Maskless Bully To Be Charged!
The incident happened at Jalan Desa Bakti in Kuala Lumpur, at around 10:30 AM on 19 July 2021.
The stall owner’s daughter lodged a police report against Shyamalan a few hours after the incident.
The Brickfields police announced that they were investigating the matter under :
Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation
Regulation 17(1) of the Prevent and Control of Infectious Disease Regulations 2021 for breaking the Phase 1 SOP (not wearing a face mask)
On 20 July 2021, Deputy Brickfields OCPD Superintendent Basri Sagoni confirmed that they arrested Shyamalan near his house in Taman Desa Bakti at 8 PM last night.
On 21 July 2021, Brickfields District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Omar said that the police obtained a one-day remand extension, and he will be charged tomorrow (22 July 2021) for criminal intimidation and not following the COVID-19 SOP.
He could receive up to two years of prison and/or a fine for criminal intimidation, as well as a compound for violating the SOP.
Maskless Bully : Why He’s A Danger To Society
Shyalaman is just one of the few but very vocal people who refuse to abide by COVID-19 precautions, in particular – wearing a face mask in public.
If he has COVID-19, he can easily spread it to other people simply by standing next to them. When he walked up to the man in the video, he was more than just physically threatening the other customer.
This is a real concern as the Delta variant of COVID-19 is capable of infecting people in 5 to 15 seconds, if you do not wear a face mask.
That is why it is critical that everyone must wear a face mask in public, preferably double-masked, and put on a face shield or some kind of eyewear if possible.
You should maintain a physical distance of 2-3 metres from other people if you can. Please don’t be a Covidiot like Shyamalan.
The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been shown to infect in mere seconds!
Find out what’s happening, and what we can do to prevent that!
Updated @ 2021-07-16 : Added more preventive measures
Originally posted @ 2021-06-29
COVID-19 Delta Variant Can Infect In Seconds!
The Delta variant of COVID-19 is known to be significantly more infectious, but what exactly does that mean?
Details from two recent cases in China and Australia reveal that the Delta variant can infect people in mere seconds!
Guangzhou, China
On 21 May 2021, one lady (Huang) contracted COVID-19 from a friend, Song, when they had a conversation for just 1 minute 40 seconds.
Four days later, Huang entered the bathroom of a restaurant, when another lady (Liu) walked in. They both said they did not have any physical contact inside.
However, just sharing the same bathroom for 14 seconds was sufficient for Huang to infect Liu.
The Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that they were both infected with the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Sydney, Australia
In the middle of June 2021, one person was infected with the Delta variant by a stranger passing by within 10-15 cm at the Bondi Junction Westfield. It was a fleeting close contact that was also captured on CCTV.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant called it a “momentary crossover” :
We actually have CCTV footage of the encounter and it is basically a crossover of individuals. They are clearly facing each other but it is literally someone moving across from each other for a moment, close, but momentary.
Queenlands Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young later said, “If you remember at the start of this pandemic, I spoke about 15 minutes of close contact being a concern. Now it looks like it’s 5 to 10 seconds.”
How COVID-19 Delta Variant Infected In Seconds
The two cases above are very troubling, but most media only reported on the cases without delving deeper.
A closer analysis of the facts of those two cases reveal a common factor not mentioned in most news reports – the lack of face masks.
In the Guangzhou case, Huang was not wearing a face mask in the bathroom. The CCTV video showed her putting it on a few metres after she left the bathroom.
In the Sydney case, neither were wearing face masks as far as I can tell, because there was no requirement to wear one in Sydney at that time.
NSW premierGladys Berejiklian immediately announced that face masks would be mandatory on public transport in the greater Sydney area for 5 days, but it was not a requirement in other public places.
It seems clear that these Delta infections only occurred in seconds because at least one party did not wear a face mask.
Delta Variant Can Infect In Seconds : How To Prevent That?
While the Delta variant is more infectious against COVID-19, it is fundamentally the same virus.
So we can still take the same COVID-19 precautions to prevent infection by the Delta variant :
Get Vaccinated ASAP!
It is very important to quickly VACCINATE against COVID-19, as current vaccines offer robust protection against the Delta variant.
Wear Face Masks
It is critical that we not only wear a face mask while outside at all times, we should try to double-mask if we are not wearing an N95 / KN95 mask.
Wear A Face Shield / Eye Wear
We should also wear a face shield if possible, or some kind of eyewear, as COVID-19 can infect through the eyes as well.
Improve Ventilation
It is now known that COVID-19 can spread through aerosol – think of it wafting around like cigarette smoke.
This is not so much of a problem outdoors, but it is a critical problem indoors.
Public places need to be better ventilated, or have ventilation systems that rapidly refreshes and filters the air inside rooms.
Maintain Physical Distance
Staying 1-2 metres apart is probably okay outdoors, if everyone is wearing a face mask. But it is no longer good enough indoors.
We need to expand our physical distance from other people indoors – keep at least 3-4 metres from other people.
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Find out how Honeywell has pivoted to deliver new services and products that help critical industries tackle the COVID-19 pandemic!
How Honeywell Is Helping Industries Tackle COVID-19
Honeywell have long been a solution partner for critical industries, with over 100 years of global experience in various industries.
In an exclusive roundtable session, Norm L. Gilsdorf, President of Honeywell ASEAN, detailed how the COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis for critical industries.
On the other hand, it offered Honeywell the opportunity to showcase their expertise in creating new solutions and products to meet the new challenges.
Honeywell Products + Services That Help Industries Tackle COVID-19
Honeywell have quickly pivoted to develop these new solutions and products to help critical industries In ASEAN countries and around the world better handle the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Honeywell UV Treatment System
The Honeywell UV Treatment System is a deep ultraviolet (UVC) sanitising system for airlines that significant reduces certain viruses and bacteria on airplane cabin surfaces.
It is roughly the size of the typical airline beverage cart, with arms that extend over the top of seats, to sweep the cabin with UVC light.
The Honeywell UV Treatment System can service an aircraft cabin in less than 10 minutes for just a few dollars per flight for midsize to large airline fleets.
Currently, several major airlines in the ASEAN region are testing this system on their aircraft.
Honeywell Healthy Building Solutions
The Honeywell Healthy Building Solutions are not new, but they go a long way to help companies protect their workforce from COVID-19.
By integrated air quality, safety and security technologies, they help to improve the health of building environments, operate more cleanly and safely, and help enforce social distancing policies.
The same technologies can also be employed in other public and commercial facilities like hospitals, airports, factories, educational institutions, etc. to enhance safety and compliance.
Honeywell Remote Industrial Solutions
The Honeywell Remote Industrial Solutions are being used by customers to handle COVID-19 related constraints and maintain business continuity, while protecting employees.
This software suite, which includes Experion Remote Operations, allow for remote management as well as work-from-home abilities for employees.
Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity Suite helps customers ensure business continuity in the face of mounting cyber threats, uncertain business conditions and supply chain disruptions.
Warehouse and logistics solutions help drive the exceptional growth of e-commerce in the ASEAN region and beyond, during the pandemic. They also support cold chain services for delivering medical products, including vaccines.
Other Honeywell Solutions That Help Against COVID-19
Other Honeywell solutions that help people and industries handle COVID-19 include :
Gas and flow sensors for ventilators, oxygen concentrators and respiratory machines;
Thermorebellion, a new temperature monitoring solution that incorporates advanced, infrared imaging technology and artificial intelligence algorithms to conduct non-invasive, preliminary screening of personnel entering facilities such as airports, hospitals and plants;
If you like our work, you can help support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
Wearing a face mask is critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19, but only if you wear it the right way.
It is also important to REMOVE it the right way, or you could end up infecting yourself!
Learn the RIGHT way to wear your face mask, and the RIGHT way to remove it!
Originally posted on 23 April 2020.
Updated @ 2020-11-07 : Added instructions for wearing a pitta or fashion mask. Various other updates.
Face Mask : Effectiveness Of Each Type
There are many kinds of face masks in the market, but we are going to focus on the three main ones that are easy for you to get :
Some Effectiveness : Fashion Or Pitta Mask
usually made from cotton or (better) polyurethane, without any specific protection rating
includes home-made cotton masks recommended by the CDC and the Czechs in this category
Moderately Effective : 3-Ply Surgical Face Mask
usually rated with bacterial filtration efficiency of >99% at 5 microns, and >95% at 3 microns
has outer hydrophobic layer, which repels water, blood and body fluids,
and a middle filter layer that is designed to filter bacteria, and finally,
an inner hydrophilic layer, which absorbs water, sweat and spit
Highly Effective : N95 Respirator
has a particle filtration efficiency of >95% at 0.3 microns
must be properly fitted with a very close facial fit
In this article, we are going to focus on the 3-ply surgical face mask, which is the most common type of face mask used in China and most of Asia, to protect against SARS and now, the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Hold the mask with the stiff bendable strip on top, and the coloured side facing outwards.
If the surgical mask has ear loops – hold the mask by the ear loops, and place a loop around each ear.
If the surgical mask has ties – bring the mask to your nose and place the ties over the crown of your head, and secure by tying them in a bow.
If the surgical mask has elastic bands – bring the mask to your nose and pull the top band over your head and let it rest on the crown of your head, and then pull the bottom strap over your head and let it rest on the nape of your neck.
Mould or pinch the nose strip to conform to the shape of your nose.
Pull the bottom of the surgical mask under your mouth and chin.
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Should YOU wear a face mask to protect yourself against COVID-19?
Some politicians insist it is useless. Some health authorities advise us to wear it only if you are sick. Others demand you wear one in public at all times.
What really is the evidence for, or against, wearing a face mask to protect against COVID-19?
This story was originally posted in April 2020, and has been updated due to second / third waves affecting many countries.
Face Mask : What Kind Do You Have?
When people say face mask, they generally mean the 3-ply surgical mask, although some may be talking about fashion masks, or even the N95 respirator.
Fashion masks are usually made from washable cotton and are reusable, but they often lack a filter. The N95 respirator, on the other hand, is designed to filter 95% of particles with a median diameter of 0.3 microns.
For the purpose of this article, we are going to talk exclusively about the 3-ply surgical / medical mask, which has three layers – each with very specific functions :
an outer hydrophobic layer, which repels water, blood and body fluids,
a middle filter layer that is designed to filter bacteria, and
an inner hydrophilic layer, which absorbs water, sweat and spit
The 3-ply surgical mask is the most common type of face mask used in China and most of Asia, to protect against SARS and now, COVID-19.
Is The Face Mask Effective Against COVID-19?
Now, to be clear – studies are still underway to determine if the humble 3-ply face mask is effective against COVID-19. But here is what we know so far…
COVID-19 Is Generally NOT Airborne
First, we should understand that COVID-19 is generallynot airborne, and primarily spreads by droplets, which are significantly larger than the virus itself and fall within 1-2 meters.
COVID-19 droplets can, therefore, be blocked by 3-ply masks or N95 respirators even though the virus itself is smaller than the filter holes!
Face Masks Prevent Face Touching
You can get infected by COVID-19 if you touch your face after touching a contaminated surface with your hand. Hand washing can prevent that, but people often forget to do it, and it is human nature to touch our own faces.
Wearing a face mask helps to prevent face touching, so even if we forget to wash our hands, there is less risk of infecting ourselves with COVID-19.
Face Masks Worked In Asia + Czech Republic
The evidence is strong in many Asian countries, including China, as well as the Czech Republic, that face masks are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The Czechs are so enthusiastic about their experience, they created this video to spread word that face masks work, even if they are not 3-ply!
Many Asian countries, including China, Singapore and Malaysia, require their citizens to wear one whenever they leave the house.
The Asian and Czech experiences are backed up by a CDC-sponsored study, which showed that surgical masks are as effective as N95 respirators in preventing influenza infections amongst healthcare workers.
This study is important because influenza is a similarly-sized respiratory virus that spreads by droplets too. So it makes sense that face masks would be similarly effective against COVID-19.
Why Did WHO / CDC Recommend Against Wearing Face Masks?
Certain health authorities like the WHO or CDC recommended against wearing face masks to protect against COVID-19, because they feared that :
people would gain a false sense of security, and not protect themselves adequately in other ways like washing hands and avoiding crowds.
There is also the consideration that when there is limited supply, 3-ply face masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for healthcare workers who have much greater need of them.
Should You Wear A Face Mask To Protect Against COVID-19?
That depends.
No Community Spread
If there is no community spread of COVID-19 in your country, there is NO NEED to wear a face mask.
As long as health authorities can quickly trace and isolate contacts for testing, the virus is “not in the wild”, and you are very unlikely to be infected.
Keep your face masks in reserve. Using them now could mean you run out of face masks when you actually need them.
There Is Community Spread
Once there is community spread, all bets are off. The COVID-19 coronavirus is problematic because patients are contagious long before they show symptoms.
ANYONE can be COVID-19 positive, even if they don’t have symptoms. That includes you and your family, not just strangers you meet on the street.
To protect everyone, this is the time to start wearing a face mask.
In fact, everyone should be forced to wear a face mask, because it would help prevent asymptomatic / presymptomatic persons from spreading the coronavirus.
During Home Quarantine
One way to reduce the need for face masks is a home quarantine / restricted movement / lockdown.
You do NOT need to wear a face mask while you are sheltering at home with your family.
You only need to wear a face mask during the limited occasions you leave your home to purchase food and other essential supplies.
And you should certainly wear a face mask while accepting food deliveries or parcels from a delivery person.
Don’t Rely Solely On Your Face Mask Against COVID-19!
Now, opinions are definitely shifting towards the widespread adoption of face masks to protect against COVID-19. However, it is important to note that a face mask alone cannot protect you from COVID-19.
You still need to adopt safe practices that health authorities have been advocating to prevent COVID-19 :
Avoid suspected cases or disease hotpots, like hospitals, if possible!
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Take a look at the viral poster by GG Hospital on the correct way to wear a face mask, and find out why it’s WRONG, and learn how to correctly wear and remove a face mask!
GG Hospital : The Correct Way To Wear Face Mask
This poster was apparently created by GG Hospital in India to teach people that there are two sides to a medical or surgical face mask, and how to correctly wear one.
COLORED SIDE OUT
If you’re sick and do not want to spread your germs around
WHITE SIDE OUT (This Is The Filter Part)
When you’re not sick and you want to stop germs from getting in
If you read our previous fact check on two sides to a surgical mask, you will know that it’s not true. That’s why we placed a FALSE overlay – to avoid the poster from being further abused.
What’s shocking about this poster is that it was created by an actual hospital. They should know better than to spread fake news.
The Truth : There Is Only ONE SIDE To A Surgical Face Mask
The truth is there is only ONE SIDE to every surgical face mask.
Surgical masks are coloured on ONE SIDE to make it easy for medical staff to figure out which side FACES OUT.
Whether they are coloured blue, green or pink, the COLOURED SIDE is meant to face OUTWARDS.
If the mask you are using has no colour, then it is NOT a 3-ply surgical mask – just a simple 2-ply face mask that is meant to maintain hygiene in a clean room or kitchen.
The hoax falsely claims that the white layer is the filter.
A 3-ply surgical mask has three layers :
an outer hydrophobic layer, which repels water, blood and body fluids,
a middle filter layer that is designed to filter bacteria, and
an inner hydrophilic layer, which absorbs water, sweat and spit
In a 2-ply face mask, both layers are usually made from the same material – fabric or polypropylene or other kinds of non-woven material. There is NO FILTER layer. They are usually used in spas and restaurants.
Why It’s Important To Wear A Surgical Mask Correctly
The middle filter works no matter which way you wear the surgical mask, so the hoax is complete hogwash.
However, wearing it the wrong way will reduce your comfort as you will be exhaling into the outer hydrophobic (water-repelling) layer, instead of the inner absorbent layer.
Those working with actual patients will want to wear it correctly too, because the outer water-repelling layer will help prevent blood and other bodily fluids from soaking through to the filter.
How To Wear A Surgical Mask Correctly
Here are some step-by-step instructions for wearing a surgical mask correctly :
Hold the mask so that the stiff bendable strip is on top, and the coloured side facing outwards.
If the surgical mask has ear loops – hold the mask by the ear loops, and place a loop around each ear.
If the surgical mask has ties – bring the mask to your nose and place the ties over the crown of your head,
– then secure the mask by tying them in a bow.
If the surgical mask has elastic bands – bring the mask to your nose and pull the top band over your head, and let it rest on the crown of your head,
– pull the bottom strap over your head and let it rest on the nape of your neck.
Mould or pinch the nose strip to conform to the shape of your nose.
Pull the bottom of the surgical mask over your mouth and chin.
Surgical masks are designed to filter out bacteria, not tiny particulates in air pollution.
But if you want to buy surgical masks, make sure they are proper 3-layer surgical masks, and not 2-ply face masks. Here are some online purchase links :
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Is the new face mask and social distancing SOP for Malaysia that’s been circulating on social media true?
Find out what people are sharing about the new face mask and social distancing SOPs, and what the FACTS really are!
New Malaysia Face Mask SOP For Driving + Eating Out?
This is the message that’s gone viral on social media – a summary of new face mask and social distancing requirements for driving and eating out at cafes and restaurants…
SOP For Travelling wef 1 Aug 2020
MCO Query Phone +60388882010
Called the above number to seek clarification on the mandatory mask requirement for in-car travel.
Call the above number for any MCO related info.
Please take note.
Transport/Driving
1) If you are driving alone or with others in the car must be from same household, with MyKad showing all having same house address, then there is no need to wear face mask. And maximum load of 5 persons only.
2) But if more than one person in the car is from different households, all MUST wear face masks.
3) It is also required to practice social distancing in the car. If small cars like Perodua Axia, the passenger must be seated behind. Only 2 in a car.
For bigger vehicles like sedan, MPV/SUV, if seats are more than 3 feet wide, you can be seated next to each other with one empty seat in between (back row).
4) For public transports like buses, LRT, MRT, trains, Masks are compulsory.
At eateries/cafes/restaurants
1) Social distancing must be adhered
▪ Minimum 1 metre apart.
▪ Small table – 2 persons
▪ Large table – 4 persons
2) Register your particulars.
▪ Body temperature
▪ Name in full
▪ Handphone number.
3) Face mask – keep your mask on while:-
▪ waiting for food or drink
▪ talking
▪ using your handphone
▪ reading newspaper
▪ put your mask on immediately after eating & drinking (you can only take off your mask while eating or drinking).
▪ Don’t pull down your mask to your chin.
▪ Don’t hang it on one ear.
▪ Don’t place it on the table.
▪ Put it inside a bag or your pocket.
▪ Leave as soon as you have finished eating and drinking. Don’t use the eatery as a venue for socializing at this time.
New Malaysia Face Mask SOP For Driving + Eating Out : BULLSHIT
Here is a short and sweet rebuttal of the viral message that people have been sharing like crazy today – it’s BULLSHIT.
Everyone’s worried because 1 August 2020 is the first day of the new mandatory requirement to wear face masks in public in Malaysia. Failure to do so will incur a fine of RM 1,000 per person.
Here are the facts why this is yet another fake post on social media :
Fact #1 : Face Masks Only Compulsory In Public Transportation + Public Spaces
On 23 July 2020, Senior Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the face mask will be mandatory in these public spaces starting 1 August 2020.
Malaysian MyKad addresses are not used to verify if people in a private vehicle are from the same family or living together. That’s because they are often not up to date.
A husband and wife, or housemates, will often have different addresses, as there is no requirement to change or update addresses even if one is married, or move to a different address.
It is really illogical to use MyKad addresses to determine if people are from the same family, or living together. That’s why the police won’t ask to see the address on your MyKad.
In fact, there is no requirement to wear a face mask in your own car in Malaysia, so the police won’t even stop you!
Fact #3 : Social Distancing Is Not Required In Private Vehicles
There is no requirement to perform social distancing in vehicles. Not even in taxis and e-hailing vehicles.
In the Malaysia Transportation Ministry SOP issued on 23 June 2020, social distancing isn’t required in taxis and e-hailing vehicles, as long as they are from the same family.
Both driver and passengers are protected by the requirement for everyone to wear a face mask inside taxis and e-hailing vehicles in Malaysia.
Fact #4 : MCMC Confirmed The Post As Fake
MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) issued not one, but two notices, to confirm that the SOPs for wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing in vehicles are FALSE.
COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!
Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19 :
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Is the police on a rampage targeting car drivers who do not wear a face mask while driving, fining them RM1,000 if caught?!
Find out what’s the viral warning that got people so angry on social media, and what the FACTS really are!
Updated @ 2020-07-29 : Added face mask requirements for taxis, e-hailing vehicles, and school buses / vans.
Originally posted @ 2020-07-27
Claim : Wear A Face Mask In Car Or Get Fined RM1,000!
This startling warning went viral on social media, claiming that the Malaysian police are on a rampage, issuing RM1,000 fines to car drivers who do not wear a face mask while driving!
Everyone be very careful as Police are now on the rampage concerning Face Mask.
My friend together with another passenger just got stopped by a group of young Police guys (3 of them) and were issued with summons of RM 1,000 each because the Police say that if you were travelling alone you can be in the car without mask but if more then 1 person everyone in the car MUST wear mask at all times!
No, You Won’t Get Fined For Not Wearing A Face Mask In Your Car
This is yet another Internet hoax… for now.
The Malaysia government could, in the future, institute such a requirement, but at the moment – this is NOT TRUE.
That’s why we intentionally placed a HOAX overlay to the screenshot above, to avoid it from being further shared.
Fact #1 : Compulsory Wearing Of Face Mask Only Starts In August!
On 23 July 2020, Senior Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the face mask will be mandatory in these public spaces starting 1 August 2020.
Inside public transportation
Crowded public spaces
Areas where social distancing is impossible
Those who flout the mandatory face mask rule will be subject to a fine of up to RM 1,000.
However, this new requirement doesn’t start until August, so claims that the police are issuing fines for not wearing a face mask right now are FALSE.
Fact #2 : No Requirement To Wear A Face Mask In Your Own Car
While we will soon be required to wear a face mask in public spaces, there is NO REQUIREMENT to wear a face mask in your own car.
You are only required to wear a face mask inside public transportation, not your own car.
Fact #3 : No Report Of Anyone Getting Fined For Not Wearing Face Masks In Car
The Malaysian police have been actively warning people against breaking the government’s COVID-19 preventive measures.
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Can prolonged use of a face mask cause hypoxia? That’s what Dr. Dennis Castro is warning everyone!
Find out if it’s true that you can faint from hypoxia after wearing a face mask for a long time!
Claim : Prolonged Use of Face Mask Causes Hypoxia!
This warning by Dr. Dennis Castro was apparently posted on Vanguard Nigeria (which we will NOT share), and has been widely shared on WhatsApp and Facebook :
CAUTION: Prolonged use of mask produces hypoxia
😷😷😷
Dr Dennis A Castro B has revealed that, prolonged use of mask produces hypoxia. Breathing over and over exhaled air turns into carbon dioxide, which is why we feel dizzy. This intoxicates the user and much more when he must move, carry out displacement actions. It causes discomfort, loss of reflexes and conscious thought. It generates great fatigue. In addition, oxygen deficiency causes glucose breakdown and endangered lactic acid rise.
😷🚗🥱 Some people drive their car with the mask on, that is very dangerous, because, the stale air can make the driver lose consciousness.
It is recommended to use it only if you have someone in front or very close, and it is important to remember to lift it every 10 minutes to continue feeling healthy.
😷😰
It is counterproductive for people who serve the public for 8 hours, as they are intoxicating themselves without knowing it.
All lives are important.!
That prevention does not lead you to another problem … let’s use the mask knowingly.
Dr. Dennis A Castro B
WARNING: Prolonged use of facemask produces hypoxia
Now, let us tell you why you need not worry about hypoxia from prolonged use of a face mask.
Prolonged Use of Face Mask Causes Hypoxia : The Facts
We have no idea who Dr. Dennis A Castro B is, but the advice is generally FALSE, and here are the facts.
Fact #1 : Face Masks Are Porous
Face masks and even respirators are porous, and are specifically designed to let the wearer breathe through a filter.
Fact #2 : Face Masks Are Loose Fitting
All types of face masks – surgical masks, pitta masks or home-made cloth masks – are also loose fitting, and do not fit closely to your face. Air “leaks” through gaps all around the edges.
Fact #3 : Face Masks Are Designed For Long Hours Of Use
Face masks are not designed for any specific period of time of use, but tight-fitting N95 respirators are designed for 8 hours of continuous / intermittent use.
Two studies (14, 15) have even confirmed that healthcare workers can use N95 respirators for long hours before needing to remove them.
Fact #4 : There Is Very Little Space In A Face Mask
When properly worn, face masks have very little space for stale air to accumulate.
When you breathe out, the face mask may puff out a little – that’s all the stale air you’ll take in with the next breath. The rest gets out through the filter, or the gaps around the face mask.
That is why people who have panic attacks use a paper bag to trap their exhaled air, which they rebreathe to increase their carbon dioxide intake.
Fact #5 : Most Civilians Won’t Wear Face Masks For Long Hours
Unless you are a healthcare worker, or work in very dusty workplaces, you are unlikely to wear face masks for long hours.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks are used only when we go out in public. There is no need to wear face masks at home, or in your personal vehicle.
Fact #6 : You May Get A Headache / Feel Uncomfortable
Now, the carbon dioxide will build up with extended use, but most people will tolerate and not notice it.
Those who are sensitive to the increase in carbon dioxide may get a headache or feel uncomfortable. Certainly, they will be motivated to remove the face mask long before they develop hypoxia and lose consciousness.
Interestingly, a study looked into this issue and found that the biggest problem was headache, and even that was for healthcare workers who had to wear N95 respirators for long hours during the SARS epidemic.
Fact #7 : You Should NOT Touch Your Face Mask!
Now, it is BAD ADVICE to lift your face mask every 10 minutes to “get some fresh air”.
Once you put on your face mask and go out in public, you should consider it (and your hands) contaminated. At no point should you touch the front of your face mask, much less lift it up over and over again.
If you follow that bad advice to keep lifting your face mask every 10 minutes, you could contaminate yourself in the process.
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People still don’t understand how social contact can rapidly spread COVID-19, when they take such great care in making sure no one is sick at their wedding / party / meeting / place of worship.
Find out why you should avoid ALL SOCIAL CONTACT during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what happens if you don’t…
How Social Contact Spreads COVID-19!
The COVID-19 coronavirus spreads through droplets that are expelled by people breathing or talking near you. Those droplets will also contaminate any surface they fall on.
But there is only so much you can do, because COVID-19 can also spread through people who look and feel perfectly healthy.
That is what doctors refer to as asymptomatic / presymptomatic transmission, and the reason why COVID-19 is so dangerous.
Temperature checks at malls and other public spaces are useless, as they have no fever or any other visible symptoms. It takes just one asymptomatic / presymptomatic person to spread COVID-19 to dozens of people, particularly in crowded conditions.
That’s why measures like social distancing or home quarantine are being adopted. They are designed to limit or eliminate social contact, to break the chain of infection.
You cannot infect anyone, and no one can infect you, if you don’t come in contact with anyone! IT’S THAT SIMPLE!
Why Social Contact Is Dangerous In COVID-19 Pandemic
Charts recently released by the Malaysia Ministry of Health show how COVID-19 clusters are created by social contact with a single infected person.
93 New COVID-19 Cases From A Single Wedding
This cluster is a great example of how infections COVID-19 really is. A single infected person attended a wedding, and ultimately caused 93 other people to be infected!
At the wedding, the index case infected 30 people!
Some of those infected cases then infected 40 more people in the 2nd generation.
In the 3rd generation, a further 12 people were infected.
In the 4th generation, 3 more were infected.
Finally, in the 5th generation, another 8 people were infected.
111 New COVID-19 Cases From A Single Church Conference
This cluster when the index case attended a church conference in Kuching. This cluster is a lesson in how infectious COVID-19 really is.
In the 1st generation, the index case infects just one person.
In the 2nd generation, that second case infects TWENTY TWO (22) people!
Some of the 2nd generation went on to infect FORTY THREE (43) people in the 3rd generation!
A further 29 people were infected in the 4th generation.
In the 5th generation, another 13 people were infected.
As of 8 April 2020, two patients in this cluster have died, and another four are in the ICU.
40 New COVID-19 Cases From A Single Traveller
This cluster was created by a single person travelling from Italy.
This index case infected one person in the 1st generation.
That person, however, infected 5 other people in the 2nd generation.
One of the 2nd generation infections went on to infect 25 people in the 3rd generation!
A further 6 people were infected in the 4th generation.
Finally, 3 people were infected in the 5th generation.
Even though there are just 41 people in this cluster, 5 people died (12.2% mortality rate), and 2 are still in the ICU.
26 New COVID-19 Cases From A Single Teacher’s Meeting
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Wearing a surgical mask is CRITICAL in protecting yourself against influenza and the COVID-19 coronavirus, but many people do not actually know how to CORRECTLY wear and remove a surgical mask.
While most know better than to wear a surgical mask over their eyes, they still wear it incorrectly, and worse – take it off the wrong way, and infect themselves in the process!
In this guide, we will teach you how to WEAR and REMOVE a surgical mask, the right way… to avoid infecting yourself!
Please SHARE this with your family and friends, so they can stay protected!
First, please make sure you buy and use 3-ply surgical masks, and not fashion masks, or 2-ply hygiene masks.
Fashion masks are reusable, made from washable cotton, and often lack a filter although some may boast activated charcoal filters – these are useless against viruses and bacteria.
A proper 3-ply surgical or medical mask, on the other hand, has three layers – each with very specific functions :
an outer hydrophobic layer, which repels water, blood and body fluids,
a middle filter layer that is designed to filter bacteria, and
an inner hydrophilic layer, which absorbs water, sweat and spit
The 3-ply surgical mask has been proven to be as effective as N95 respirators in preventing viral infections like influenza.
Finally, we have 2-ply hygiene face masks that are cheap and made from the same material – fabric or polypropylene or other kinds of non-woven material.
With NO FILTER layer, these hygiene masks are useless against haze, viruses and bacteria. They are commonly used in spas and restaurants.
Hold the mask with the stiff bendable strip on top, and the coloured side facing outwards.
If the surgical mask has ear loops – hold the mask by the ear loops, and place a loop around each ear.
If the surgical mask has ties – bring the mask to your nose and place the ties over the crown of your head, and secure by tying them in a bow.
If the surgical mask has elastic bands – bring the mask to your nose and pull the top band over your head and let it rest on the crown of your head, and then pull the bottom strap over your head and let it rest on the nape of your neck.
Mould or pinch the nose strip to conform to the shape of your nose.
Pull the bottom of the surgical mask over your mouth and chin.
Please make sure you only purchase proper 3-layer surgical masks, and not 2-ply hygiene masks or fashion masks. Here are some online purchase options :
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
Here are the scientifically and medically-recommended ways to protect yourself against the COVID-19 virus. Please ignore the many FAKE NEWS and FAKE ADVICE!
Please read and SHARE this article with your family and friends, and please ignore trolls who tell you that Vitamin C or rasam will cure or prevent infection by this virus!
COVID-19 | SARS-CoV-2 : A Quick Explainer
First of all, we should clarify that SARS-CoV-2 is the official name of 2019-nCoV, in recognition of how closely it resembles the SARS virus, genetically.
The disease it causes is called COVID-19, which is short for Coronavirus Disease 2019.
COVID-19 should be used when you refer to the disease, and SARS-CoV-2 when referring to the virus. But for ease of understanding, we may use COVID-19 coronavirus to replace SARS-CoV-2.
Face masks are generally worn for fashion, although their users may believe that they can filter out dust. They are usually reusable, being made from washable cotton, and often lack a filter.
A proper 3-ply surgical or medical mask, on the other hand, has three layers – each with very specific functions :
an outer hydrophobic layer, which repels water, blood and body fluids,
a middle filter layer that is designed to filter bacteria, and
an inner hydrophilic layer, which absorbs water, sweat and spit
There are also 2-ply face masks that are usually made from the same material – fabric or polypropylene or other kinds of non-woven material. There is NO FILTER layer. These are usually used in the spa or food industry.
Finally, we have N95 respirators that are designed to form a tight seal over your mouth and nose, and will filter 95% of particles with a median diameter of 0.3 microns.
However, a new CDC-sponsored study, published in JAMA on 3 September 2019, showed that surgical masks are as effective as N95 respirators in preventing influenza infections amongst healthcare workers.
While studies will need to be conducted to determine how effective surgical masks are against the COVID-19 coronavirus, we do know that it is larger than, or as large as, the influenza A virus
Based on the influenza test results, it is likely that the COVID-19 coronavirus will be as effectively blocked by a 3-ply surgical mask.
Surgical masks also help reduce infections by preventing users from touching their faces with dirty / infected hands.
This is important because many people do not get infected by breathing in viral particles floating in the air, but by touching their mouth and nose with their contaminated hands.
Before you rush out to buy surgical masks, please make sure they are proper 3-layer surgical masks, and not 2-ply face masks or fashion masks. Here are some online purchase options :
Wang Guangfa, a Chinese respiratory specialist was infected by COVID-19, despite taking precautions including wearing an N95 respirator.
He believes it may have infected him through his eyes, a possibility that is being investigated but has yet to be confirmed.
Out of an abundance of caution, healthcare workers who are in direct contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases are wearing protective eyewear.
At the moment, the scientific consensus is that there is no need for the public to wear protective eyewear.
However, if one of your family members may be infected with COVID-19, you should wear protective eyewear as a precaution.
There is no need to purchase specialised medical eyewear. Just use whatever you have at home – workman’s protective glasses, spectacles, sunglasses or even swimming googles.
But if you really want a cheap, cool-looking protective glasses that cover both ocular orbits, this is what I’m using – the Honeywell A700 safety glasses.
Here are some online purchase options if you are interested to get the Honeywell A700 as well :
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