Checks on Masks Sold in Singapore for Effectiveness against COVID-19
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether checks are conducted on face masks sold in Singapore to assess their effectiveness against COVID-19, as raised by Mr Lim Biow Chuan. Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that surgical masks are regulated as medical devices by the Health Sciences Authority, which monitors safety reports and requires importers to provide product details. While local surgical mask manufacturers must meet international standards, non-medical cloth masks are not regulated by the authority but are deemed sufficient for low transmission settings. The public is advised to select masks with at least two layers of fabric and better filtration capabilities, specifications of which are often indicated on product packaging. These measures and guidelines ensure that surgical masks meet safety requirements while providing the general population with clear criteria for choosing effective non-medical barriers.
Transcript
107 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry conducts checks on face masks being sold in Singapore to assess their effectiveness in protecting against the COVID-19 virus.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: As one of the measures to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, everyone is required to wear a mask when outside of their homes. There are two main types of masks: (a) medical masks (also known as surgical masks), and (b) non-medical masks made of cloth or other fabric.
Surgical masks are used in the healthcare settings and for medical procedures, where there is risk of splash or contact with potentially infectious persons or materials. Surgical masks are regulated as medical devices by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). All importers of surgical masks are required to provide HSA with the details of the masks they are importing. HSA also monitors global safety reports on such masks and will take necessary actions to recall affected masks from the market if there are any safety concerns. Local surgical mask manufacturing facilities are also required to comply with internationally recognised standards.
For the general population in a low transmission setting, in line with recommendations by the World Health Organization and other authorities, non-medical masks are sufficient to provide a barrier against droplets. Non-medical masks are not regulated by HSA. For greater effectiveness, the public is advised to look out for masks with appropriate fit and specifications, such as having at least two layers of fabric and better filtration capabilities. These are often indicated on the packaging or product description of the masks being sold.