It is important to have enough face masks for health workers and those looking after the ailing people, but the public members don’t need to wear masks if they are fit and healthy, said Dr Khin Khin Gyi, deputy director of the central infectious disease control division under the Public Health Department. 

She made the remark during a meeting with the local media on ensuring that the people get authentic information about COVID-19 held at Chatrium Hotel in Yangon on March 6. 

“World Health Organizations precisely suggest who should wear face masks. Masks should be worn under three conditions—those having fever, sneezing and coughing, those looking after ailing people and health workers. Apart from them, members of the public don’t need to wear masks during normal times. It is important to wear masks at an appropriate time. It is important to have enough masks for health workers, lab workers and those looking after ailing people. It is of utmost importance for health staff to wear masks. Government should not be blamed for not distributing masks. There are shortages of masks. France is also facing mask shortages. Now, mask prices have increased about six times,” said Dr Khin Khin Gyi.