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Malaysia on Wednesday (Sep 7) scrapped its mask mandate for indoor settings, with business owners allowed to decide whether to impose their own face mask requirements. “Face masks indoors will be optional effective immediately,” said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, adding that masks remain mandatory for COVID-19 cases, and in public transport and healthcare facilities. Healthcare facilities include hospitals, clinics and nursing homes while public transport covers e-hailing services, flights, taxis and trains. High-risk individuals are also encouraged to keep their masks on. The Health Minister said that although the wearing of masks indoors was no longer compulsory, business owners could decide on the mask requirements for their premises, such as making them mandatory or optional. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-face-masks-indoors-not-compulsory-public-transport-covid-19-2925121 Sounds familiar? Following the right leadership! 😆 https://www.gov.sg/article/further-easing-of-community-measures

If this product was to be introduced 2 days later, I will definitely believe it is an April Fools joke. The New Air-Purifying Dyson Zone Headphones Are as Wild as They Sound Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/the-new-air-purifying-dyson-zone-headphones-are-as-wild-as-they-sound/ Dyson's new Zone air-purifying headphone looks like something you'd see in a dystopian sci-fi movie. But it's a real device you'll be able to buy sometime this fall, Dyson says. For Dyson -- a company that's best known for its high-end vacuum cleaners -- it's the first foray into wearable technology. The Zone is a set of noise-canceling, over-ear headphones that "simultaneously deliver immersive sound to the ears and purified airflow to the nose and mouth," addressing the "urban issues of air quality and noise pollution." No word yet on pricing, but it seems safe to assume that these will cost more than your typical premium noise-canceling headphones from Bose and Sony, and maybe even more than Apple's AirPods Max headphones. There've been rumors that Dyson was working on such a device for years. Back in 2018, Bloomberg reported that Dyson was working on an air purifier-headphone combo and in 2020, Dyson applied for a patent for a new pair of headphones with a built-in air filter. "Air pollution is a global problem -- it affects us everywhere we go. In our homes, at school, at work and as we travel, whether on foot, on a bike or by public or private transport," says Jake Dyson, chief engineer (and son of the company's eponymous founder). "The Dyson Zone purifies the air you breathe on the move. And unlike face masks, it delivers a plume of fresh air without touching your face, using high-performance filters and two miniaturized air pumps. After six years in development, we're excited to deliver pure air and pure audio, anywhere." According to Dyson, the air-filtration component is a "non-contact" system, which means it doesn't touch your face like a mask but rather sits just in front of it. "The compressors in each ear cup draw air through the dual-layer filters and project two streams of purified air to the wearer's nose and mouth, channeled through the non-contact visor," Dyson explains. "Sculpted returns on the visor ensure purified airflow is kept near to the nose and mouth and diluted as little as possible by external crosswinds." Dyson says that developing a non-contact solution was crucial in order to avoid the "discomfort and irritation associated with full-contact alternatives." In the latest Dune movie, no one seems to be complaining too much about wearing filt-plugs in their noses to draw moisture from exhaled air back into their stillsuits for later drinking. But in the real world, people can have strong emotions about wearing anything on their faces, particularly masks. Dyson says to test the Zone, its engineers used a breathing mannequin named Frank that was fitted with medical-grade mechanical lungs and sensing equipment that replicated human breathing patterns in a controlled chamber. That sensing equipment measured pollution levels within the nose and determined "the filtration efficacy of those particles, which would otherwise end up in Frank's artificial lung." The mannequin was named Frank because it reminded the engineers of Frankenstein, a Dyson rep told CNET. On the audio side, Dyson says you can expect a premium listening experience with an accurate, neutral audiophile sound profile and proprietary advanced noise canceling. The headphones are also designed with comfort in mind, though Dyson hasn't announced how much the headphones weigh or what their battery life ratings are with air filtration and noise-canceling on. Each ear cup houses two motors, and Dyson says they're the smallest in any of its machines to date. The headphones connect via Bluetooth -- no word on what version number -- and can also be used to make voice calls.

With this latest findings, I am going to continue wearing my surgical mask even after the pandemic have ended so that the food court / hawker stall / cashier auntie will call me 靓仔，帅哥，yan tau, yen eh... 😁 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/medical-surgical-face-mask-more-attractive-covid19-2434876 SINGAPORE: A study in the United Kingdom has found that men who wear medical masks are perceived as more attractive by members of the opposite sex. Researchers at Cardiff University's School of Psychology found that medical masks made for more attractive coverings than cloth masks and notebooks. The least attractive faces were completely uncovered. This was true whether the men were considered attractive or unattractive before the coverings were introduced, according to the study published in the journal Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications on Monday (Jan 10). The results ran counter to findings of similar research conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, said the authors of the study. A 2016 study in Japan found a "sanitary-mask effect" showing that people associated medical masks with disease, perceiving masked faces as less healthy and hence less attractive. "While medical masks might prime disease, they can also be seen as a sign of being responsible and caring citizens, which may positively impact perceived attractiveness," said the Cardiff University researchers. This was in line with other research conducted during the pandemic that "shows faces wearing medical masks are considered more likely to be ill, but also more socially desirable and trustworthy". THE EXPERIMENT Researchers at Cardiff University conducted their experiment in February 2021, about seven months after face masks were made compulsory in places like supermarkets and public transport in the UK. "Research carried out before the pandemic found medical face masks reduce attractiveness," said Dr Michael B Lewis, one of the study's authors, in an article on Cardiff University's website. "We wanted to test whether this had changed since face coverings became ubiquitous and understand whether the type of mask had any effect." Forty-three female psychology undergraduates were asked to rate 160 male faces for attractiveness on a scale of 1 to 7. These 160 stimuli consisted of 40 male faces in four variations: Full uncovered face, covered by a notebook, covered by a cloth mask and covered by a medical mask. The women were also asked whether they agreed that "face masks have become part of everyday life in the past year" and "the use of face masks is effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19". They showed high levels of agreement with the statements. THE FINDINGS Results showed that faces covered by medical masks were "significantly more attractive" than cloth masks. Faces covered in cloth masks were in turn "significantly more attractive" than uncovered faces. The advantage for covered faces was consistent with general findings that covering facial features increases attractiveness, regardless of which features are covered and the "base attractiveness" of the face, said the study's authors. But "there appears to be an advantage to medical masks beyond this", they added. "The advantage for a cloth mask can be attributed to the effect of occlusion, but the effect of the medical mask goes beyond just hiding undesirable features," the authors said. "It is possible that the additional advantage for medical masks comes from their associations with medical professionals." They added that this effect "may only be present during the COVID-19 pandemic". Dr Lewis said the research shows that the pandemic has "changed our psychology" in how mask-wearers are perceived. "When we see someone wearing a mask we no longer think, 'That person has a disease, I need to stay away,'" he said. "This relates to evolutionary psychology and why we select the partners we do. Disease and evidence of disease can play a big role in mate selection – previously any cues to disease would be a big turn off. "Now we can observe a shift in our psychology such that face masks are no longer acting as a contamination cue."

German politicians expressed shock on Tuesday over the killing of a 20-year old petrol station worker after an argument about a face mask and said that coronavirus deniers who are willing to use violence will not be tolerated. The killing on Saturday evening in the western town of Idar-Oberstein has hit the national headlines as it is one of the only such cases linked to COVID-19 restrictions. Prosecutors have said that the petrol station cashier had asked a 49-year old man who wanted to buy beer to comply with the rules and put on a mask. The customer refused and left but returned later wearing a mask which he pulled down when he approached the cashier who again referred to the rules. "Then the perpetrator pulled a revolver and shot the cashier in the head from the front. The victim fell to the floor and was immediately dead," prosecutor Kai Fuhrmann told reporters. The suspect later gave himself up at a police station, saying the coronavirus measures were causing him stress, said Furhmann. He is being detained. This is why I'm thankful guns are not allowed in our country. With the number of crazies we have surfacing, it'll be terrible if everyone pulls out a gun just to express their dissatisfaction.

‘I was thrown in jail and a mental institution, then deported from Singapore… for not wearing a Covid-19 mask’ https://www.rt.com/op-ed/533288-singapore-citizen-deported-covid-rules/ Don’t like wearing masks? Neither does Benjamin Glynn. But his refusal to wear one, on account of his failure to accept Singapore’s right to make them legally mandatory, saw him treated like a terrorist, as he tells RT. The return leg of Benjamin Glynn’s daily commute turned his life upside down. Violent arrests, a prison sentence and time in a mental institution followed, but he vowed, “I would do it all again, I don’t regret anything.” Living in Singapore, the Brit and his partner decided to return home with their two kids, booking flights for May 31. On keen runner Glynn’s final day at work, he went for a run with colleagues, followed by a few drinks. On the train home, a passenger videoed him not wearing a Covid mask – contrary to the local rules – and uploaded it to citizen journalism website Stomp. Twenty-four hours later, the police knocked on his door, demanding he come to the station. Glynn said, “I was happy to have a chat with them. I just thought it would be a conversation and I could go talk to them on the Monday, but they insisted they had to take me then. I objected to that as it was so late; it was my daughter’s fifth birthday. But that’s when the nightmare began.” Things turned ugly, and officers used batons which led to an ambulance being called due to Glynn bleeding from his knees, elbows and shoulders. He spent the rest of the weekend in holding cells, which he described as “horrendous.” There was a concrete floor with no bedding and the lights were on constantly. Tiredness had him hallucinating, before he was finally granted bail. The rest of the family flew to the UK, but he had to remain for a scheduled court date on July 23. And worse was to follow. He explained, “On July 19, five of them [police] came bursting into my room. I hid in the bathroom and recorded it on my phone. They gave me no choice and dragged me out.” It was at this point things turned “quite dark.” Bail was revoked; Glynn was back in the concrete police cells and then transferred to Changi prison. He continued, “I’m probably the only person in the history of Singapore who was happy about going to prison. I thought it can’t be any worse. But I still had no bed, it was a thin bamboo mat on the floor and itchy blanket.” Throughout all of this, Glynn had been clear – he admitted not wearing a mask on the train. But by now he was facing four charges; two of not wearing a mask, one for being a public nuisance and one for using threatening language to the police. He said, “I admitted the whole time that it was me not wearing a mask. My defence was based on the law and who has jurisdiction over who. Is it a criminal action or is it a civil regulation breach?” He accepts that employers have the legal right to tell their staff to wear masks, but does not agree the state can issue such demands legally. Several of his comments in court attracted attention, wrongly giving the impression he wasn’t taking his predicament seriously. That was despite him attending some appearances in handcuffs, ankle bracelets and chained to a chair. Glynn added, “I was quite aware of the law and what a crime is, and isn’t. But I just assumed that because Singapore was a British colony and the British set up their legal system, they would have some respect for common law. But it turns out they have absolutely zero recognition for the living man or living woman.” Glynn asking the judge three times at one hearing to name which law states the public must wear masks seemingly angered the authorities, and he was sent to the Institute of Mental Health for psychiatric assessment. That was even tougher than Changi prison, where at least he was able to read and have personal items. Glynn said, “It was a horrible cell with a small grille, no windows, and I wasn’t allowed anything – no toilet paper, books or toothbrush. I just had two weeks of staring at a wall in the isolation ward, where the really poorly people with mental problems are. “This is how they deal with people who challenge their legal system and government, but it’s not just in Singapore – I’m sure people in other countries have also been accused of having mental problems if they refuse to comply with the Covid regulations.” Throughout the process, the judiciary offered him deals to plead guilty. But Glynn refused them all, explaining, “That’s not really how justice works, you don’t condemn someone to prison before the trial and sweet talk them out of it.” In the end, he was found guilty on all charges but had served enough time, so was deported a few days later. And even that became a saga, because as he was brought to the gate in shackles, KLM – with whom Glynn had bought his original ticket – refused to take him. Singapore Airlines did the same, but the British High Commission said he could travel on British Airways. The nightmare ended when the jet’s wheels touched down at Heathrow, but Glynn feels he has been unfairly portrayed, particularly given that what sparked the secret video was him assisting an elderly gentlemen onto the train, who had been struggling to breathe in his mask. After helping the man to a seat, Glynn was approached by others about not wearing one himself. “I’ve been treated in my opinion like some sort of terrorist and as a criminal.” he said. While he would not wish to relive the incident, Glynn does feel it exposed bigger issues. He said, “It was unfortunate but I was standing up for my rights. I don’t believe in wearing masks. I stood up for my rights not to wear a mask, which is recognised in every major country apart from Singapore by the sounds of it. My case has highlighted a lot of unfairness in the Singapore legal system.” And while he claimed he had been “psychologically tortured,” he’s keen to put it behind him, saying, “I’m not some crazy freedom fighter who wants to neglect my family or my career to keep on doing this.” Glynn has been lambasted in some quarters but has also received lots of messages of support. So, what does he take away from this bizarre experience? “I think it showed Singapore is not safe, and the police have no respect or regard for human rights,” he claimed. After spending a week in the countryside since returning home, Glynn appears relaxed and ready to move on. He admitted, “It’s just so good to be back on English soil and the land of the free.”

Is there anyone out here who thinks that we should continue to mask up even after the covid situation has died down? I’m not saying that it should be made into a law permanently, but rather strongly encourage the general public to do so?? Let’s face it, the coronavirus will most probably become endemic. Aside from concealing boredom in long meetings and everything else you’re hiding beneath that mask, think of how much better hygiene standards will be if we all just kept this habit of putting that mask on. My only worry is the environment with all the disposable masks strewn around… WEAR YOUR REUSABLE MASKS YALL!! ps how many of yall actually use reusable masks vs disposable masks? 🤔

Who is right here? Is this mask legal?

Free reusable antibacterial masks for Singapore residents from Sept 21

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Do-cloth-masks-work-Supercomputer-Fugaku-says-yes?utm_campaign=RN Subscriber newsletter&utm_medium=JP update newsletter&utm_source=NAR Newsletter&utm_content=article link&del_type=4&pub_date=20200825090000&seq_num=7&si=44594 Do cloth masks work? Supercomputer Fugaku says yes World's fastest computer calculates that nonwoven fabric is best A woman hangs cloth face masks to dry before distributing them for free in the Indonesian city of Tangerang, on the outskirts of Jakarta. © Reuters YUKI MISUMI, Nikkei staff writerAugust 25, 2020 00:34 JST TOKYO -- Masks made of nonwoven fabric performed best in a Japanese supercomputer model of their ability to block virus-carrying respiratory droplets, but other types of masks also showed effectiveness. Japan's Fugaku, which recently took the title of world's fastest supercomputer, modeled the performance of cotton, polyester and nonwoven fabric masks in blocking spray from cough by the wearer. The government-backed Riken institute announced the results Monday. While nonwoven masks blocked nearly all droplets emitted in a cough, all three types stopped at least around 80% of spray, making them effective at slowing the spread of the coronavirus, the team behind the tests said. "What is most dangerous is not wearing a mask" just because the weather is hot, said Makoto Tsubokura, a team leader at Riken's Center for Computational Science. "It's important to wear a mask, even a less-effective cloth one." The nonwoven masks did allow more than 10% of droplets measuring 20 microns or less in diameter to escape through gaps between the fabric and the face, the computer model showed. The Fugaku, which recently took the title of the world's fastest supercomputer, modeled the performance of cotton, polyester and nonwoven fabric masks in blocking spray from coughs. (Photo by Shoya Okinaga) But polyester and cotton masks allowed up to 40% of these droplets to pass through, as their fibers are spaced more widely than those of nonwoven fabric. One micron equals one millionth of a meter. The team also modeled the effectiveness of face shields in blocking a cough by the wearer. Though droplets of 50 microns or more stuck to the inner surface of the shield, those 20 microns or smaller were able to escape through gaps. In another simulation, Fugaku modeled the risk of a virus spreading through a 14,000-sq.-meter multipurpose auditorium with a seated audience of 2,000 people in Kawasaki, near Tokyo. The hall is equipped with air conditioning below the seats. Assuming visitors wear masks and sit spaced apart, there is little risk of spread, the model showed. "I think restrictions should gradually be loosened if we cut audience numbers by half, make sure everyone wears a mask and watch for outbreak clusters," Tsubokura said. The Fugaku supercomputer modeled a cough by a person wearing a nonwoven fabric mask. (Photo courtesy of the Riken Center for Computational Science)

UNIQLO AIRism Facemask will be available from Aug 24 online and in all S’pore stores Each packet has 3 masks source: https://www.greatdeals.com.sg/2020/08/15/uniqlo-facemask-sg-launch Back in June, UNIQLO Japan announced their new AIRism Facemask that is designed for comfort. It is also reusable after washing. Coming Soon to Singapore UNIQLO Japan has also added that they will be making it available in stores outside of Japan. The wait is over as UNIQLO Singapore has revealed on their website that they will be selling the AIRism Facemask from 24 August. It will be available through the official online store and all outlets islandwide. The facemask features a 3-layer structure which blocks not only pollen and dust but is effective against bacterial droplets. It also has UV protection with a UPF50+ rating. There are 2 colours (black and white) to choose from and each pack comes with 3 masks of the same colour and size (S, M or L). A purchase limit of 1 packet per person daily will also be imposed in stores. However, it’s not clear how that will work for online purchases. Pricing? There’s no word how much the facemasks will cost but it should be similar to the pricing in Japan where each pack costs ¥990 (~S$12.90). Here’s a video review of the facemask so you know what to expect.

Ok ok...i know there aren't many China car fans here but hear me out I used to laugh at Chery QQ The Chery A168 was absolutely dismal Even when Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) bought MG, many laughed at how two wongs don't make a right But today, I have repented I have finally brought myself to accept that China car brands are acceptable They have a place in our society They help us to build your dreams Today I bought my first BYD.......

Hi guys! whenever we are outside, or out of our vehicles, continue to mask up for our own benefits, our love ones benefits and also for others! Stay safe, drive safe and be blessed!!!

By the power of YouTube, Thai monks make DIY safety gear source: https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/by-the-power-of-youtube-thai-monks-make-diy-safety-gear/?utm_source=Coconuts+Media+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=fa968126fe-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_03_07_31&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c10d7999ee-fa968126fe-81627997 In saffron robes, they walked in single file, their feet bare. In their hands, their alms bowls. Across their faces, handmade face shields crafted in the ancient tradition of DIY YouTube videos. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, which this morning saw another 127 cases and one death reported, everyone is adapting to a new normal to survive, including the Buddhist monks at Matchantikaram Temple in Nonthaburi province. Photos and videos of the monks collecting morning alms have been going viral online since yesterday with several television news outlets highlighting their safety- and fashion-conscious walk through the neighborhood wearing face shields to deter infection. Their snug cloth face masks are even the right shade of orange. “We learned from YouTube and made them three days ago,” Phra Maha Somkiat Yannasuttho told The Standard. “I asked a parishioner to go out and buy transparent sheets, sponges and rubber bands, then we stapled them all together.” Thailand has now officially reported 1,651 cases and 10 deaths since January. “I wore a face mask, and I could barely breathe,” another monk said. “Then I did more research and found that droplets can enter the eyes too, so I made the face shield.” The widely shared story brought praise for the crafty monks and their creativity, while others expressed concern that they still go out barefoot to receive food. “I want an exemption that allows the monks to be able to wear shoes while receiving alms because the roads are dirty and it poses risks to them getting injured and infected,” Facebook user Patcharee Na Rangsee wrote. Many also suggested that maybe the monks should do what many others are doing to stay fed: order from delivery services. “Would it cause drama if I suggested that they should avoid going out during these times? Whoever wants to offer alms should make it via a food delivery app already,” user Anan Jaikhumkao wrote.

Dear Bros & Sis, I have a colleague who have been coughing and sneezing continuously for several days already. A few of my other colleagues have already gotten the bug from the one who is ill. Can some kind souls out there tell me how to approach this colleague politely and ask him/her to wear a mask and be socially responsible? Thanks in advance for all your responses.

A case of alergy? From STOMP: http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sg..._after_she.html Posted on 27 Jan 2012 Her face broke out in pus-filled bumps after she used facial mask STOMPer Kerol used a face mask after reading several good reviews about it. The STOMPer was shocked when she later broke out in pus-filled bumps that covered both her cheeks. The STOMPer wrote: "I think this is really important to share with all women out there, who purchase facial products by believing what the packaging states. "Recently, while reading Cleo magazine, I saw this brand B.liv which claims that it tightens pores, anti inflammation. "They even have a few girls stating reviews like they have really sensitive skin but this mask was really mild to their skin. "Furthermore, I went to their website to check out their review and it sounds really convincing. Thus I bought one of their hydrating masks called leach me. "Yesterday morning my skin was feeling dry, so according to the instructions, I applied the mask for 30 minutes. "At first I did feel a pleasant result as it did tighten my pores which it claims on the website. Then later, I started having a few small breakouts around my nose and chin area, soon my whole face was inflamed and many tiny bumps with pus covered my entire cheeks. "This really caused a lot of frustration for me. The inflammation occurred when they stated that it was anti-inflammatory. "I was thinking that ok maybe I was the only unlucky one who happened to be sensitive to a certain ingredient in it. "Until my friend told me her boss who tried B.liv Immerse Me mask had the same problem that I am facing. I got so mad and sent an email to them and also posted a review on their website to warn other girls. "The I discovered why they had only good feedback on the website; the bad ones will not be approved by them to be posted up."