Why is mask-wearing still required for healthcare and residential care settings?

The MOH will retain the practice of mask-wearing for visitors, staff and patients in healthcare and residential care settings, where there is interaction with patients and in indoor patient-facing areas. These are settings where vulnerable persons may need to access services, and where the risk of infection is compounded by large crowds and prolonged close contact with others who might be infected. Hence, to protect the vulnerable persons receiving care and the healthcare staff delivering care services at these premises, mask wearing will continue to be required in patient-facing areas or when there is interaction with patients/residents at these healthcare and community care settings.