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https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ndr-2022-masks-mandatory-public-transport-healthcare-places-pm-lee-120928088.html SINGAPORE — Mask wearing will only be made mandatory on public transport and in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. This was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during his National Day Rally 2022 speech delivered in English on Sunday (21 August) night at the Institute of Technical Education headquarters at Ang Mo Kio. "Everywhere else, outdoors or indoors, masks will be optional. For schools in particular, we should not need masks in class," said Lee. Children need to be able to see the facial expressions of their teachers and of each other. which is crucial for their learning and development, he added. However, Lee stressed, "But don’t take off your masks just yet. Please wait for the detailed announcement from the MTF (multi-ministry COVID-19 taskforce)."

Just for discussion, based on my recent observations. Should masks be made mandatory as long as you step out of the house? Only those with valid medical reasons with a certificate from the doctors should be excused, but you will still be required to wear a face shield, and also required to provide the certificate if approached by social distancing ambassadors and relevant authorities. I am of the view that should one choose to exercise out in public, that is a personal choice, and your personal choice should not affect the health of the general public. And if exercising with a mask is too suffocating, then the choice is clear, stay home and do simple exercises so you don't have to put on a mask. Whenever I'm on the road at the traffic lights, I observe pedestrians waiting at the lights alongside joggers (panting) and I can only imagine the droplets being excreted out and the bystanders potentially breathing in these respiratory droplets. And then we have crowded beaches and parks where social distancing is not possible but most people do not put on masks anyway because it is not a requirement if you are "exercising". As a general rule of thumb, as long as you are out in public, you should put on a mask. Is there a need for exemption for this group of people? Pretty straightforward if you ask me. There is a pandemic going on which will not be going away anytime soon. We have to make lifestyle changes and not insist on our usual way of life. Also, your surgical mask or cloth mask should cover your nose and mouth, and not act as a chin guard. Those not covering either should be treated the same as you would as someone not wearing a mask since there is essentially no protection. https://www.todayonline.com/voices/tighten-rules-mask-wearing-those-not-doing-strenuous-exercise? Thoughts? Feel free to disagree with me.