Millwater Asian Corner

46 millwaterasiancorner

Masks

A few months ago, I met a family who just immigrated from Hong Kong. They arrived in the coldest time of the year and, before long, the kids caught the winter bugs. I was not too surprised, as most people are struggling during winter, with family members queuing up to get sick; definitely the hardest time of the year for the mums (and wives…)

One day this mum called me and asked, “Do you have any masks I could use? I can’t afford to get sick and I need to protect myself from the germs.”

In Japan, it has been common practice for a long time for people to wear face masks when not feeling well. Imagine in those high-density cities; a sneeze can easily spread germs to many surrounding people. With a mask on, it reduces the chance of spreading ’flu or germs; it is also a signal to show people you are considerate of others.

In other East Asian cities, some didn’t have this practice until the 2002 SARS outbreak and the bird ’flu pandemic following a few years later. I was there at the time of the outbreak; the atmosphere was very tense but there wasn’t much we could do – life must go on, people still need to go to work and school. The only way we can protect ourselves in public is to wear a mask. At least psychologically, when someone coughs in the crowded train compartment, it gives us peace of mind. As a result, masks are commonly used and become a necessity for most Asian people, whether you don’t want to spread germs, or to protect yourself from germs. If you have ever boarded a flight to Asia, you may see people wearing masks, too, as the plane is considered to be one of the highest-risk places to spread germs.

Back to my friend’s question: “Why are masks not found locally in pharmacies or supermarkets?”

The first thing come to mind is because it looks “uncool”, the other is because we are not a crowded country.

But think it this way: can’t we still get sick bugs from work, school or public spaces? Maybe it is time to look at the mask option and help to prevent spreading our germs, and be more considerate to others.

Mind you, the mask has already evolved into a fashion statement in Asia! Google and you will see all different kinds of fashionable masks. They are also commonly used as a tool to cover a nonmade-up face (just so you know…)

Nita Wong Millwater resident

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