Is the mask order just about to end the crisis? Intensivist: There are still "two major viruses" waiting for you
After 812 days, indoor masks are finally loosened! What benefits can the relaxation of epidemic prevention bring?
After 812 days, Taiwan’s “indoor mask ban” was finally lifted today (20th). Dr. Huang Xuan, an expert in critical care medicine, said in the community that in fact the relaxation of the mask ban is indeed necessary. It has the following obvious benefits for people’s living habits, social atmosphere, and even the economic situation of the entire country:
Social life is normal. After the mask order is relaxed, it means that people’s social life gradually returns to normal, and they can freely enter and exit restaurants, coffee shops and other public places, and meet with family and friends. This can help improve people’s mental health and social relationships during long-term isolation.
Improve Taiwan’s economy. Since people can once again travel on their own without strict controls, the impact on the economy is also obviously beneficial. Whether it is tourism, catering, retail and other industries, they can all be boosted again. In addition, the loosening of the mask policy also means an increase in job opportunities, which may help reduce the high unemployment rate during the epidemic.
Enterprises resume work. As the epidemic gradually comes under control, more companies have begun to return to normal operations, canceling measures promulgated during the epidemic such as working from home or splitting work. You can even see more production activities related to marketing. These activities are crucial to economic stability and development.
Are “2 viruses” looming large if you don’t wear a mask? Critical care doctor reveals mask order relieves “three major worries”
However, Dr. Huang Xuan emphasized that after the mask ban is relaxed, it does not mean that the risk of the new coronavirus epidemic has completely disappeared. The public must have a correct understanding of these risks so that the deaths and injuries caused by the epidemic can be further reduced. First of all, after the mask ban is relaxed, people tend to neglect to take protective measures, such as maintaining social distance and washing hands frequently, which may aggravate the spread of the virus.
“Today, the new coronavirus is not the only virus that poses a threat to the human body. There are also influenza viruses and respiratory fusion viruses (RSV), all of which are waiting to infect humans. Therefore, in order to prevent the re-spread of the epidemic that may cause any viral infection, epidemic prevention Measures must still be maintained!”
In addition, after mask policies are relaxed, people may go to more indoor venues or crowded places, which may increase the risk of spreading any virus, especially in public places. For vulnerable groups such as the elderly and patients with chronic diseases, when the air circulation in the place is poor, they should leave the place immediately or wear a mask tightly to avoid infection.
Is the loosening of masks making people no longer trust vaccines? Which groups still need to wear masks?
Dr. Huang Xuan reminded that based on the guidelines published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the world is still in a state of “pandemic response alert.” Relaxing the mask policy does not mean that the virus will disappear. Therefore, we urge people with respiratory symptoms, those with elders at home, those with low immunity or patients with chronic diseases to still wear masks fully; masks are still required when going to medical institutions or taking transportation.
In addition, loosening restrictions on epidemic prevention may cause certain groups to begin to doubt the effectiveness of vaccines and refuse to be vaccinated. This may hinder the promotion of vaccination, lead to the spread of new mutant viruses, and expand the respiratory tract infection epidemic. In general, loosening the restrictions on masks can indeed improve the convenience of life and Taiwan’s economic recovery and growth. However, people still need to remain vigilant about the potential risks after loosening restrictions on masks and continue to comply with epidemic prevention measures to ensure effective control of the epidemic.
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