🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 192 (from laksa036)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa192.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/","crawl_time":1775517686,"first_indexed_time":1648869592,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"sg,mothership!\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/ s443","src_root_hash":"22058621854342192","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Comment: People choosing to keep masks on while outdoors in S'pore is a good sign - Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world","meta_descriptions":["'Personal responsibility' in action."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https:\/\/t.me\/mothershipsg\nIf you've left your house in the last few days, you probably noticed that not many people are removing their masks, despite mask-wearing being optional outdoors.\nMask-wearing outdoors is one of the many areas where restrictions have just been\nrelaxed\n, as part of a \"decisive\" move towards living with Covid-19, and in fulfilment of the\nvision\nset out by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in one of his televised speeches on Covid-19, in May 2021.\nFlashback: May 2021\nIf May 2021 rings a bell for you, you might recall it as the month where Singapore's seemingly steady progress toward normalcy since 2020's Circuit Breaker was interrupted by Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from May 16, 2021.\nIn that speech about two weeks later, PM Lee,\nwatched by several hundred thousand people\n, painted\na morale-boosting\npicture of a future\nnew normal\nwhere \"Covid-19 will not dominate our lives.\"\nIn many ways, we are\nliving that future now\n.\nMany prefer to keep masks on at all times\nYet, most people seem to be keeping their masks on even in wide-open spaces, sometimes even while exercising.\nThis matches the somewhat surprising results of\ninformal\npolls\n: That the overwhelming majority prefer to keep their masks on \"Most of the time\" or \"Always\".\nHowever, there wasn't quite as much hesitation when previous restrictions were relaxed.\nIt didn't take long for dining in to resume, after the second period of Heightened Alert ended in Aug. last year. Some diners flocked to dine in at F&B places at the\nfirst moment possible\n— the stroke of midnight on Aug. 10.\nThis year, we readily embraced the relaxation of other restrictions, scrambling for first dibs at the chance to charcoal-roast our own chicken wings at newly-reopened,\nfully-booked\nbarbecue pits.\nWhat is behind Singaporeans' seeming skittishness over going maskless outdoors?\nAnd how might this reluctance to once again show our faces to the sun actually be a good thing?\nWeigh your options, make your choices\nThere are many possible reasons why people, having weighed their options, decided they would keep their masks on.\nSome told\nMothership\nthat they were doing so out of\nan abundance of caution\n, for instance.\nOthers might simply find it more convenient to stay masked all the time, so they don't have to put the masks back on when returning indoors.\nMight most people simply be too\npaiseh\nto be the first ones seen flaunting this newfound freedom, since the majority are opting to stay masked?\nOr, could it be that Singaporeans have cultivated a new habit (like in Taiwan and Japan, where mask-wearing was common even before Covid-19), after two years of mask-wearing, and multiple distributions of both\nreusable\nand\ndisposable\nmasks?\nRegardless of the reasons, each person deciding how they want to safeguard themselves in the low-risk setting of an outdoor area can only be a good thing for Singapore as we move toward living with Covid-19.\nIt remains to be seen whether more people will start to take their masks off in outdoor areas, especially if there is an uptick in case numbers in the next few weeks — or, touch wood, a new variant.\nBut the fact is that they now have a choice they didn't have before.\n\"Personal responsibility\" playing a bigger role\nSingaporeans' newfound freedom to unmask outdoors is the latest step in a series of Covid-19 management changes that place more emphasis on personal responsibility, and less on government mandate.\nIn early 2020, confirmed cases were whisked off in special ambulances and isolated in special wards, while close contacts and overseas arrivals were given strict orders to isolate themselves.\nToday, however, the vast majority of people with Covid-19 recover at home, with many excluded from the daily tally of cases as they are able to self-isolate.\nNow, even the closest contacts of Covid-19 cases — such as partners and household members — are free to carry out daily activities, even with a Covid-19 case in their house, and without a negative Covid-19 test result.\nOn that note, contact tracing has also been stepped down significantly, with the strict quarantine orders eventually\nreplaced by the Health Risk Notice\n, which is an advisory to take precautions, no longer an order to comply.\nYes,\nnot everyone can be trusted\nto exercise personal (and social) responsibility.\nBut the granting of\nsome\nadditional responsibility to a population that has mostly been\npoliced into strict compliance with the law\nshould surely be welcomed.\nWhen self-isolation was first\nannounced\n, the health ministry's Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said it was to give members of the public \"empowerment to be able to take charge of your health\".\nBut self-isolation was — thankfully — not something everyone got to experience first-hand.\nGoing mask-free outdoors, however, is a choice available to all, even if few choose it.\nRisk and reward\n\"What about the risk?\", you might ask.\nObjectively speaking, the freedom to remove one's mask while outdoors does increase the risk that one could infect or be infected.\nNaturally, some will be less comfortable with outdoor masklessness — but some will be more comfortable.\nA man who preferred to have his mask removed while outdoors succinctly told\nMothership\n: \"I f*ck it already.\"\nYou might be immediately recoiling at how \"irresponsible\" that comment sounds — perhaps because your views on outdoor mask-wearing are at odds with his.\nGoing maskless immediately visible, other riskier behaviour less visible\nBut, consider that there could be others who keep their masks on at all times in public while engaging in way more risky, and less visible behaviour.\nSharing drinks and food with\nmultiple sets of 10 visitors\nin a residential unit comes to mind — totally legal, by the way, as long as they take turns.\nIn other words, we need to have a sense of proportion about what we observe.\nThe \"personal\" aspect of \"personal responsibility\" means that we each have to decide our own course based on our own risk appetite, because the government has stepped back and isn't going to do it for us anymore (at least in this area).\nTherefore, if the prospect of meeting unmasked people outdoors bothers you, keep your own mask on, keep your distance, and find alternate routes and routines that allow you to stay indoors more.\nBut also realise that all these steps will achieve very little when stacked against the relatively greater danger from\nactivities like dining in\n, which the authorities rightly deem \"higher risk\".\nPersonal responsibility vs SDAs\nWhile the past two years saw some of the strictest impositions on the lives of people in Singapore, we have come a long way from those days.\nWith more aspects of Covid-19 management left to individuals, we can expect less external \"supervision\".\nWith that, the number of safe distancing ambassadors (SDAs) in Singapore is\nexpected to be scaled down\n, as more restrictions are eased and if Singaporeans take on more \"social and personal responsibility\".\nSDAs, and their sometimes ever-present patrolling of popular spots, have no doubt played a role in keeping Singapore safe.\nBut moves like allowing people in Singapore to go without masks when outdoors will do more to encourage personal responsibility than 1,000 SDAs ever could.\nRelated story\nTop photo by Andrew Koay\nFollow and listen to our podcast here","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=112356165937356&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n[![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/mothership-logo-white.svg)](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/)  ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/menu-hamburger-white.svg) ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/menu-cross-white.svg)\n\n- [News](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/news\/)\n- [Babelfish](https:\/\/babelfish.mothership.sg\/)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/)\n  - [Lifestyle News](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/lifestyle-news)\n  - [Hot Deals](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/hot-deals\/)\n  - [Trending](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/trending\/)\n  - [Drama](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/drama\/)\n  - [Things To Eat](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/things-to-eat\/)\n  - [Things To Do](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/things-to-do\/)\n  - [Stories Of Us](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/stories-of-us\/)\n  - [Celebrity](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/celebrity\/)\n  - [Heartwarming](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/heartwarming\/)\n  - [Travel](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/travel\/)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/videos)\n- [Abroad](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/abroad\/)\n- [Weekend](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/tag\/ms-weekend)\n- [Environment](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/environment)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.mothership.sg\/careers\/)\n- [\\+ More](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n  - [Parliament](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/parliament\/)\n  - [Perspectives](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/perspectives\/)\n  - [History](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/community\/history\/)\n  - [Covid-19](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/tag\/covid-19)\n\n- [News](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/news\/)\n- [Babelfish](https:\/\/babelfish.mothership.sg\/)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n  - [Lifestyle News](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/lifestyle-news)\n  - [Hot Deals](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/hot-deals\/)\n  - [Trending](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/trending\/)\n  - [Drama](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/drama\/)\n  - [Things To Eat](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/things-to-eat\/)\n  - [Things To Do](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/things-to-do\/)\n  - [Stories Of Us](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/stories-of-us\/)\n  - [Celebrity](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/celebrity\/)\n  - [Heartwarming](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/heartwarming\/)\n  - [Travel](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/travel\/)\n- [Videos](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/videos)\n- [Abroad](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/abroad\/)\n- [Weekend](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/tag\/ms-weekend)\n- [Environment](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/environment)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.mothership.sg\/careers\/)\n- [\\+ More](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n  - [Parliament](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/parliament\/)\n  - [Perspectives](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/perspectives\/)\n  - [History](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/community\/history\/)\n  - [Covid-19](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/tag\/covid-19\/)\n\n[News](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/news\/)\n\n[Babelfish](https:\/\/babelfish.mothership.sg\/)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/)\n- [Lifestyle News](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/lifestyle-news\/)\n- [Hot Deals](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/hot-deals\/)\n- [Trending](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/trending\/)\n- [Drama](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/drama\/)\n- [Things To Eat](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/things-to-eat\/)\n- [Things To Do](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/things-to-do\/)\n- [Stories Of Us](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/stories-of-us\/)\n- [Celebrity](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/celebrity\/)\n- [Heartwarming](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/heartwarming\/)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/travel\/)\n\n[Videos](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/videos)\n\n[Abroad](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/abroad\/)\n\n[Weekend](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/tag\/ms-weekend)\n\n[Environment](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/environment)\n\n[Careers](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/careers\/)\n\n[\\+ More](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n- [Parliament](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/parliament\/)\n- [Perspectives](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/perspectives\/)\n- [History](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/community\/history\/)\n- [Covid-19](https:\/\/www.mothership.sg\/tag\/covid-19)\n\n[![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/search-red.svg)Search]()   [![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/search-white.svg)Search]()\n\n[![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/search-red.svg)Search]()\n\n[News](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/news\/)\n\n[Babelfish](https:\/\/babelfish.mothership.sg\/)\n\n[Covid-19](https:\/\/www.mothership.sg\/tag\/covid-19)\n\n[Lifestyle](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n- [Lifestyle News](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/lifestyle-news\/)\n- [Hot Deals](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/hot-deals\/)\n- [Trending](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/trending\/)\n- [Drama](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/drama\/)\n- [Things To Eat](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/things-to-eat\/)\n- [Things To Do](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/things-to-do\/)\n- [Stories Of Us](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/stories-of-us\/)\n- [Celebrity](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/celebrity\/)\n- [Heartwarming](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/heartwarming\/)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/lifestyle\/travel\/)\n\n[Videos](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/videos)\n\n[Abroad](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/abroad\/)\n\n[Weekend](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/tag\/ms-weekend)\n\n[Environment](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/environment)\n\n[\\+ More](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n- [Parliament](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/parliament\/)\n- [Perspectives](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/perspectives\/)\n- [History](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/category\/community\/history\/)\n- [Covid-19](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/tag\/covid-19\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/search-red.svg)Search]()   [![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/search-white.svg)Search]()\n\n[![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/search-red.svg)Search]()\n\n[← Back](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n\nNigel Chua\n\n# Comment: People choosing to keep masks on while outdoors in S'pore is a good sign\n'Personal responsibility' in action.\n\n[Nigel Chua](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/author\/nigel-chua)  \\|   ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png) April 02, 2022, 10:10 AM\n\n[![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/fb-icon.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)   [![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/tw-icon.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Comment:%20People%20choosing%20to%20keep%20masks%20on%20while%20outdoors%20in%20S'pore%20is%20a%20good%20sign&url=https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)   [![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/whats-icon.svg)](whatsapp:\/\/send?text=https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/static.mothership.sg\/1\/2020\/12\/covid-cbd.jpg)\n\n## [Events](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/event)\n#\n![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)  -\n\n![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/drop-pin.png)\n\n> ***[Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https:\/\/t.me\/mothershipsg](https:\/\/t.me\/mothershipsg)***\n\nIf you've left your house in the last few days, you probably noticed that not many people are removing their masks, despite mask-wearing being optional outdoors.\n\nMask-wearing outdoors is one of the many areas where restrictions have just been [relaxed](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/03\/pm-lee-group-size-10-mask-optional\/), as part of a \"decisive\" move towards living with Covid-19, and in fulfilment of the [vision](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2021\/05\/new-normal-singapore-lee-pm\/) set out by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in one of his televised speeches on Covid-19, in May 2021.\n\n## Flashback: May 2021\nIf May 2021 rings a bell for you, you might recall it as the month where Singapore's seemingly steady progress toward normalcy since 2020's Circuit Breaker was interrupted by Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from May 16, 2021.\n\nIn that speech about two weeks later, PM Lee, [watched by several hundred thousand people](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2021\/05\/pm-lee-address-nation-vision-covid-19\/), painted a morale-boosting picture of a future **new normal** where \"Covid-19 will not dominate our lives.\"\n\nIn many ways, we are [living that future now](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/03\/clarke-quay-reopen\/).\n\n## Many prefer to keep masks on at all times\nYet, most people seem to be keeping their masks on even in wide-open spaces, sometimes even while exercising.\n\nThis matches the somewhat surprising results of [informal](https:\/\/twitter.com\/MothershipSG\/status\/1508661476763979782) [polls](https:\/\/t.me\/mothershipsg\/12323): That the overwhelming majority prefer to keep their masks on \"Most of the time\" or \"Always\".\n\nHowever, there wasn't quite as much hesitation when previous restrictions were relaxed.\n\nIt didn't take long for dining in to resume, after the second period of Heightened Alert ended in Aug. last year. Some diners flocked to dine in at F\\&B places at the [first moment possible](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2021\/08\/dine-in-aug-10-2021-singapore\/) — the stroke of midnight on Aug. 10.\n\nThis year, we readily embraced the relaxation of other restrictions, scrambling for first dibs at the chance to charcoal-roast our own chicken wings at newly-reopened, [fully-booked](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/03\/bbq-pits-park-booked\/) barbecue pits.\n\nWhat is behind Singaporeans' seeming skittishness over going maskless outdoors?\n\nAnd how might this reluctance to once again show our faces to the sun actually be a good thing?\n\n## Weigh your options, make your choices\nThere are many possible reasons why people, having weighed their options, decided they would keep their masks on.\n\nSome told *Mothership* that they were doing so out of [an abundance of caution](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/03\/singaporeans-still-wear-masks-outdoors\/), for instance.\n\nOthers might simply find it more convenient to stay masked all the time, so they don't have to put the masks back on when returning indoors.\n\nMight most people simply be too *paiseh* to be the first ones seen flaunting this newfound freedom, since the majority are opting to stay masked?\n\nOr, could it be that Singaporeans have cultivated a new habit (like in Taiwan and Japan, where mask-wearing was common even before Covid-19), after two years of mask-wearing, and multiple distributions of both [reusable](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/01\/temasek-foundation-free-mask-january-10\/) and [disposable](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2021\/08\/where-to-collect-temasek-free-masks\/) masks?\n\nRegardless of the reasons, each person deciding how they want to safeguard themselves in the low-risk setting of an outdoor area can only be a good thing for Singapore as we move toward living with Covid-19.\n\nIt remains to be seen whether more people will start to take their masks off in outdoor areas, especially if there is an uptick in case numbers in the next few weeks — or, touch wood, a new variant.\n\nBut the fact is that they now have a choice they didn't have before.\n\n## \"Personal responsibility\" playing a bigger role\nSingaporeans' newfound freedom to unmask outdoors is the latest step in a series of Covid-19 management changes that place more emphasis on personal responsibility, and less on government mandate.\n\nIn early 2020, confirmed cases were whisked off in special ambulances and isolated in special wards, while close contacts and overseas arrivals were given strict orders to isolate themselves.\n\nToday, however, the vast majority of people with Covid-19 recover at home, with many excluded from the daily tally of cases as they are able to self-isolate.\n\nNow, even the closest contacts of Covid-19 cases — such as partners and household members — are free to carry out daily activities, even with a Covid-19 case in their house, and without a negative Covid-19 test result.\n\nOn that note, contact tracing has also been stepped down significantly, with the strict quarantine orders eventually [replaced by the Health Risk Notice](https:\/\/backend.mothership.sg\/2022\/03\/clarke-quay-reopen\/), which is an advisory to take precautions, no longer an order to comply.\n\nYes, [not everyone can be trusted](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/02\/friend-close-contact-comes-for-cny-gathering\/) to exercise personal (and social) responsibility.\n\nBut the granting of *some* additional responsibility to a population that has mostly been [policed into strict compliance with the law](https:\/\/backend.mothership.sg\/2022\/03\/ong-ye-kung-tiktok\/) should surely be welcomed.\n\nWhen self-isolation was first [announced](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MothershipSG\/videos\/644909460246759\/), the health ministry's Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said it was to give members of the public \"empowerment to be able to take charge of your health\".\n\nBut self-isolation was — thankfully — not something everyone got to experience first-hand.\n\nGoing mask-free outdoors, however, is a choice available to all, even if few choose it.\n\n## Risk and reward\n\"What about the risk?\", you might ask.\n\nObjectively speaking, the freedom to remove one's mask while outdoors does increase the risk that one could infect or be infected.\n\nNaturally, some will be less comfortable with outdoor masklessness — but some will be more comfortable.\n\nA man who preferred to have his mask removed while outdoors succinctly told *Mothership*: \"I f\\*ck it already.\"\n\nYou might be immediately recoiling at how \"irresponsible\" that comment sounds — perhaps because your views on outdoor mask-wearing are at odds with his.\n\n### Going maskless immediately visible, other riskier behaviour less visible\nBut, consider that there could be others who keep their masks on at all times in public while engaging in way more risky, and less visible behaviour.\n\nSharing drinks and food with [multiple sets of 10 visitors](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/revised-safe-management-measures) in a residential unit comes to mind — totally legal, by the way, as long as they take turns.\n\nIn other words, we need to have a sense of proportion about what we observe.\n\nThe \"personal\" aspect of \"personal responsibility\" means that we each have to decide our own course based on our own risk appetite, because the government has stepped back and isn't going to do it for us anymore (at least in this area).\n\nTherefore, if the prospect of meeting unmasked people outdoors bothers you, keep your own mask on, keep your distance, and find alternate routes and routines that allow you to stay indoors more.\n\nBut also realise that all these steps will achieve very little when stacked against the relatively greater danger from [activities like dining in](https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/suzannerowankelleher\/2020\/12\/15\/this-is-how-quickly-covid-19-can-spread-in-a-restaurant-per-new-study\/?sh=6e210c571fe4), which the authorities rightly deem \"higher risk\".\n\n## Personal responsibility vs SDAs\nWhile the past two years saw some of the strictest impositions on the lives of people in Singapore, we have come a long way from those days.\n\nWith more aspects of Covid-19 management left to individuals, we can expect less external \"supervision\".\n\nWith that, the number of safe distancing ambassadors (SDAs) in Singapore is [expected to be scaled down](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/03\/number-sdas-scaled-down\/), as more restrictions are eased and if Singaporeans take on more \"social and personal responsibility\".\n\nSDAs, and their sometimes ever-present patrolling of popular spots, have no doubt played a role in keeping Singapore safe.\n\nBut moves like allowing people in Singapore to go without masks when outdoors will do more to encourage personal responsibility than 1,000 SDAs ever could.\n\n## Related story\n*Top photo by Andrew Koay*\n\n***Follow and listen to our podcast here***\n\n[![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/fb-icon.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)   [![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/tw-icon.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Comment:%20People%20choosing%20to%20keep%20masks%20on%20while%20outdoors%20in%20S'pore%20is%20a%20good%20sign&url=https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)   [![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/svg\/whats-icon.svg)](whatsapp:\/\/send?text=https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n\nIf you like what you read, follow us on [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/MothershipSG), [Instagram](https:\/\/instagram.com\/mothershipsg), [Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/MothershipSG) and [Telegram](https:\/\/t.me\/mothershipsg) to get the latest updates.\n\n## More Stories:\n[Paradigm Mall JB offering RM50 (S\\$14.45) vouchers for any traveller who shows passport at concierge All you have to do is show your passport and sign up for the \"WCT Buddy\" app. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 06:24 PM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/paradigm-mall-johor-bahru-vouchers\/)\n\n[Tributes pour in for late Law Society President Adrian Tan, accomplished lawyer & witty writer Several Singaporeans also paid tribute to the impact of his books on their lives. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 04:28 PM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/adrian-tan-tributes\/)\n\n[Kit Chan to perform 'Home', 1998 S'pore National Day song, at free concert on Aug. 5, 2023 Nostalgia. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 03:38 PM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/kit-chan-home-national-day-2023\/)\n\n[Confused horse spotted trotting along cars on BKE, escorted to safety by LTA officer Like a fish out of water. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 03:21 PM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/confused-horse-spotted-trotting-along-cars-on-bke-escorted-to-safety-by-lta-officer\/)\n\n[Man, 43, on trial for murdering daughter, 5, after months of confining her naked in toilet with son, 4 The man disposed of items linked to the girl's death, and told police she hit her head on a slide. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 03:07 PM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/murder-daughter-confined-naked-toilet-abuse\/)\n\n[S'pore bus services to JB now available on Grab & Shopee ranging from S\\$3 to S\\$11 More options for weekend getaways. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 01:02 PM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/singapore-jb-bus-service-grab-shopee\/)\n\n[South Korean actor Ji Chang Wook to be in S'pore on Jul. 13 for Giorgio Armani Mare pop-up That smoulder. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 11:46 AM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/south-korean-ji-chang-wook-singapore\/)\n\n[Lorry swerves into 5 motorcycles & car on SLE towards BKE, 5 injured The motorcyclists, aged 24 to 33, were injured and conveyed conscious to hospital. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 11:40 AM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/lorry-swerve-motorcycles-sle-bke\/)\n\n[Eminent S'pore economist Lim Chong Yah dies at age 91 RIP. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 11:39 AM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/lim-chong-yah-dies\/)\n\n[Firsthand from Dakota: Retired hawker, 70, now bombastic magician full of main character energy He used to sell noodles. Now he's spinning umbrellas on the tip of a ballpoint pen. ![](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/assets\/images\/icons\/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 09:40 AM](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2023\/07\/tok-tok-man-umbrella-tricks\/)\n\n[Load more stories](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/2022\/04\/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore\/)\n\n[About](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/about-us) \\| [Advertise with us](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/about-us#sales) \\| [Contact us](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/about-us#contact-us) \\| [We Are Hiring](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/careers) \\| [Privacy policy](https:\/\/mothership.sg\/privacy-policy\/)\n\nCopyright © 2020 Mothership. All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":null,"meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

9 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.3 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/
Last Crawled	2026-04-06 23:21:26 (9 days ago)
First Indexed	2022-04-02 03:19:52 (4 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Comment: People choosing to keep masks on while outdoors in S'pore is a good sign - Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world
Meta Description	'Personal responsibility' in action.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg If you've left your house in the last few days, you probably noticed that not many people are removing their masks, despite mask-wearing being optional outdoors. Mask-wearing outdoors is one of the many areas where restrictions have just been relaxed , as part of a "decisive" move towards living with Covid-19, and in fulfilment of the vision set out by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in one of his televised speeches on Covid-19, in May 2021. Flashback: May 2021 If May 2021 rings a bell for you, you might recall it as the month where Singapore's seemingly steady progress toward normalcy since 2020's Circuit Breaker was interrupted by Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from May 16, 2021. In that speech about two weeks later, PM Lee, watched by several hundred thousand people , painted a morale-boosting picture of a future new normal where "Covid-19 will not dominate our lives." In many ways, we are living that future now . Many prefer to keep masks on at all times Yet, most people seem to be keeping their masks on even in wide-open spaces, sometimes even while exercising. This matches the somewhat surprising results of informal polls : That the overwhelming majority prefer to keep their masks on "Most of the time" or "Always". However, there wasn't quite as much hesitation when previous restrictions were relaxed. It didn't take long for dining in to resume, after the second period of Heightened Alert ended in Aug. last year. Some diners flocked to dine in at F&B places at the first moment possible — the stroke of midnight on Aug. 10. This year, we readily embraced the relaxation of other restrictions, scrambling for first dibs at the chance to charcoal-roast our own chicken wings at newly-reopened, fully-booked barbecue pits. What is behind Singaporeans' seeming skittishness over going maskless outdoors? And how might this reluctance to once again show our faces to the sun actually be a good thing? Weigh your options, make your choices There are many possible reasons why people, having weighed their options, decided they would keep their masks on. Some told Mothership that they were doing so out of an abundance of caution , for instance. Others might simply find it more convenient to stay masked all the time, so they don't have to put the masks back on when returning indoors. Might most people simply be too paiseh to be the first ones seen flaunting this newfound freedom, since the majority are opting to stay masked? Or, could it be that Singaporeans have cultivated a new habit (like in Taiwan and Japan, where mask-wearing was common even before Covid-19), after two years of mask-wearing, and multiple distributions of both reusable and disposable masks? Regardless of the reasons, each person deciding how they want to safeguard themselves in the low-risk setting of an outdoor area can only be a good thing for Singapore as we move toward living with Covid-19. It remains to be seen whether more people will start to take their masks off in outdoor areas, especially if there is an uptick in case numbers in the next few weeks — or, touch wood, a new variant. But the fact is that they now have a choice they didn't have before. "Personal responsibility" playing a bigger role Singaporeans' newfound freedom to unmask outdoors is the latest step in a series of Covid-19 management changes that place more emphasis on personal responsibility, and less on government mandate. In early 2020, confirmed cases were whisked off in special ambulances and isolated in special wards, while close contacts and overseas arrivals were given strict orders to isolate themselves. Today, however, the vast majority of people with Covid-19 recover at home, with many excluded from the daily tally of cases as they are able to self-isolate. Now, even the closest contacts of Covid-19 cases — such as partners and household members — are free to carry out daily activities, even with a Covid-19 case in their house, and without a negative Covid-19 test result. On that note, contact tracing has also been stepped down significantly, with the strict quarantine orders eventually replaced by the Health Risk Notice , which is an advisory to take precautions, no longer an order to comply. Yes, not everyone can be trusted to exercise personal (and social) responsibility. But the granting of some additional responsibility to a population that has mostly been policed into strict compliance with the law should surely be welcomed. When self-isolation was first announced , the health ministry's Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said it was to give members of the public "empowerment to be able to take charge of your health". But self-isolation was — thankfully — not something everyone got to experience first-hand. Going mask-free outdoors, however, is a choice available to all, even if few choose it. Risk and reward "What about the risk?", you might ask. Objectively speaking, the freedom to remove one's mask while outdoors does increase the risk that one could infect or be infected. Naturally, some will be less comfortable with outdoor masklessness — but some will be more comfortable. A man who preferred to have his mask removed while outdoors succinctly told Mothership : "I f*ck it already." You might be immediately recoiling at how "irresponsible" that comment sounds — perhaps because your views on outdoor mask-wearing are at odds with his. Going maskless immediately visible, other riskier behaviour less visible But, consider that there could be others who keep their masks on at all times in public while engaging in way more risky, and less visible behaviour. Sharing drinks and food with multiple sets of 10 visitors in a residential unit comes to mind — totally legal, by the way, as long as they take turns. In other words, we need to have a sense of proportion about what we observe. The "personal" aspect of "personal responsibility" means that we each have to decide our own course based on our own risk appetite, because the government has stepped back and isn't going to do it for us anymore (at least in this area). Therefore, if the prospect of meeting unmasked people outdoors bothers you, keep your own mask on, keep your distance, and find alternate routes and routines that allow you to stay indoors more. But also realise that all these steps will achieve very little when stacked against the relatively greater danger from activities like dining in , which the authorities rightly deem "higher risk". Personal responsibility vs SDAs While the past two years saw some of the strictest impositions on the lives of people in Singapore, we have come a long way from those days. With more aspects of Covid-19 management left to individuals, we can expect less external "supervision". With that, the number of safe distancing ambassadors (SDAs) in Singapore is expected to be scaled down , as more restrictions are eased and if Singaporeans take on more "social and personal responsibility". SDAs, and their sometimes ever-present patrolling of popular spots, have no doubt played a role in keeping Singapore safe. But moves like allowing people in Singapore to go without masks when outdoors will do more to encourage personal responsibility than 1,000 SDAs ever could. Related story Top photo by Andrew Koay Follow and listen to our podcast here
Markdown	![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=112356165937356&ev=PageView&noscript=1) [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/mothership-logo-white.svg)](https://mothership.sg/) ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/menu-hamburger-white.svg) ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/menu-cross-white.svg) - [News](https://mothership.sg/category/news/) - [Babelfish](https://babelfish.mothership.sg/) - [Lifestyle](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/) - [Lifestyle News](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/lifestyle-news) - [Hot Deals](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/hot-deals/) - [Trending](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/trending/) - [Drama](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/drama/) - [Things To Eat](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/things-to-eat/) - [Things To Do](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/things-to-do/) - [Stories Of Us](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/stories-of-us/) - [Celebrity](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/celebrity/) - [Heartwarming](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/heartwarming/) - [Travel](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/travel/) - [Videos](https://mothership.sg/videos) - [Abroad](https://mothership.sg/category/abroad/) - [Weekend](https://mothership.sg/tag/ms-weekend) - [Environment](https://mothership.sg/category/environment) - [Careers](https://www.mothership.sg/careers/) - [\+ More](https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) - [Parliament](https://mothership.sg/category/parliament/) - [Perspectives](https://mothership.sg/category/perspectives/) - [History](https://mothership.sg/category/community/history/) - [Covid-19](https://mothership.sg/tag/covid-19) - [News](https://mothership.sg/category/news/) - [Babelfish](https://babelfish.mothership.sg/) - [Lifestyle](https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) - [Lifestyle News](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/lifestyle-news) - [Hot Deals](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/hot-deals/) - [Trending](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/trending/) - [Drama](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/drama/) - [Things To Eat](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/things-to-eat/) - [Things To Do](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/things-to-do/) - [Stories Of Us](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/stories-of-us/) - [Celebrity](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/celebrity/) - [Heartwarming](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/heartwarming/) - [Travel](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/travel/) - [Videos](https://mothership.sg/videos) - [Abroad](https://mothership.sg/category/abroad/) - [Weekend](https://mothership.sg/tag/ms-weekend) - [Environment](https://mothership.sg/category/environment) - [Careers](https://www.mothership.sg/careers/) - [\+ More](https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) - [Parliament](https://mothership.sg/category/parliament/) - [Perspectives](https://mothership.sg/category/perspectives/) - [History](https://mothership.sg/category/community/history/) - [Covid-19](https://mothership.sg/tag/covid-19/) [News](https://mothership.sg/category/news/) [Babelfish](https://babelfish.mothership.sg/) [Lifestyle](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/) - [Lifestyle News](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/) - [Hot Deals](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/hot-deals/) - [Trending](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/trending/) - [Drama](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/drama/) - [Things To Eat](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/things-to-eat/) - [Things To Do](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/things-to-do/) - [Stories Of Us](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/stories-of-us/) - [Celebrity](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/celebrity/) - [Heartwarming](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/heartwarming/) - [Travel](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/travel/) [Videos](https://mothership.sg/videos) [Abroad](https://mothership.sg/category/abroad/) [Weekend](https://mothership.sg/tag/ms-weekend) [Environment](https://mothership.sg/category/environment) [Careers](https://mothership.sg/careers/) [\+ More](https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) - [Parliament](https://mothership.sg/category/parliament/) - [Perspectives](https://mothership.sg/category/perspectives/) - [History](https://mothership.sg/category/community/history/) - [Covid-19](https://www.mothership.sg/tag/covid-19) [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/search-red.svg)Search]() [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/search-white.svg)Search]() [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/search-red.svg)Search]() [News](https://mothership.sg/category/news/) [Babelfish](https://babelfish.mothership.sg/) [Covid-19](https://www.mothership.sg/tag/covid-19) [Lifestyle](https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) - [Lifestyle News](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/) - [Hot Deals](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/hot-deals/) - [Trending](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/trending/) - [Drama](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/drama/) - [Things To Eat](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/things-to-eat/) - [Things To Do](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/things-to-do/) - [Stories Of Us](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/stories-of-us/) - [Celebrity](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/celebrity/) - [Heartwarming](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/heartwarming/) - [Travel](https://mothership.sg/category/lifestyle/travel/) [Videos](https://mothership.sg/videos) [Abroad](https://mothership.sg/category/abroad/) [Weekend](https://mothership.sg/tag/ms-weekend) [Environment](https://mothership.sg/category/environment) [\+ More](https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) - [Parliament](https://mothership.sg/category/parliament/) - [Perspectives](https://mothership.sg/category/perspectives/) - [History](https://mothership.sg/category/community/history/) - [Covid-19](https://mothership.sg/tag/covid-19/) [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/search-red.svg)Search]() [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/search-white.svg)Search]() [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/search-red.svg)Search]() [← Back](https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) Nigel Chua # Comment: People choosing to keep masks on while outdoors in S'pore is a good sign 'Personal responsibility' in action. [Nigel Chua](https://mothership.sg/author/nigel-chua) \\| ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png) April 02, 2022, 10:10 AM [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/fb-icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/tw-icon.svg)](https://twitter.com/share?text=Comment:%20People%20choosing%20to%20keep%20masks%20on%20while%20outdoors%20in%20S'pore%20is%20a%20good%20sign&url=https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/whats-icon.svg)](whatsapp://send?text=https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) ![](https://static.mothership.sg/1/2020/12/covid-cbd.jpg) ## [Events](https://mothership.sg/event) # ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png) - ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/drop-pin.png) > *[Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg](https://t.me/mothershipsg)* If you've left your house in the last few days, you probably noticed that not many people are removing their masks, despite mask-wearing being optional outdoors. Mask-wearing outdoors is one of the many areas where restrictions have just been [relaxed](https://mothership.sg/2022/03/pm-lee-group-size-10-mask-optional/), as part of a "decisive" move towards living with Covid-19, and in fulfilment of the [vision](https://mothership.sg/2021/05/new-normal-singapore-lee-pm/) set out by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in one of his televised speeches on Covid-19, in May 2021. ## Flashback: May 2021 If May 2021 rings a bell for you, you might recall it as the month where Singapore's seemingly steady progress toward normalcy since 2020's Circuit Breaker was interrupted by Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from May 16, 2021. In that speech about two weeks later, PM Lee, [watched by several hundred thousand people](https://mothership.sg/2021/05/pm-lee-address-nation-vision-covid-19/), painted a morale-boosting picture of a future new normal where "Covid-19 will not dominate our lives." In many ways, we are [living that future now](https://mothership.sg/2022/03/clarke-quay-reopen/). ## Many prefer to keep masks on at all times Yet, most people seem to be keeping their masks on even in wide-open spaces, sometimes even while exercising. This matches the somewhat surprising results of [informal](https://twitter.com/MothershipSG/status/1508661476763979782) [polls](https://t.me/mothershipsg/12323): That the overwhelming majority prefer to keep their masks on "Most of the time" or "Always". However, there wasn't quite as much hesitation when previous restrictions were relaxed. It didn't take long for dining in to resume, after the second period of Heightened Alert ended in Aug. last year. Some diners flocked to dine in at F\&B places at the [first moment possible](https://mothership.sg/2021/08/dine-in-aug-10-2021-singapore/) — the stroke of midnight on Aug. 10. This year, we readily embraced the relaxation of other restrictions, scrambling for first dibs at the chance to charcoal-roast our own chicken wings at newly-reopened, [fully-booked](https://mothership.sg/2022/03/bbq-pits-park-booked/) barbecue pits. What is behind Singaporeans' seeming skittishness over going maskless outdoors? And how might this reluctance to once again show our faces to the sun actually be a good thing? ## Weigh your options, make your choices There are many possible reasons why people, having weighed their options, decided they would keep their masks on. Some told Mothership that they were doing so out of [an abundance of caution](https://mothership.sg/2022/03/singaporeans-still-wear-masks-outdoors/), for instance. Others might simply find it more convenient to stay masked all the time, so they don't have to put the masks back on when returning indoors. Might most people simply be too paiseh to be the first ones seen flaunting this newfound freedom, since the majority are opting to stay masked? Or, could it be that Singaporeans have cultivated a new habit (like in Taiwan and Japan, where mask-wearing was common even before Covid-19), after two years of mask-wearing, and multiple distributions of both [reusable](https://mothership.sg/2022/01/temasek-foundation-free-mask-january-10/) and [disposable](https://mothership.sg/2021/08/where-to-collect-temasek-free-masks/) masks? Regardless of the reasons, each person deciding how they want to safeguard themselves in the low-risk setting of an outdoor area can only be a good thing for Singapore as we move toward living with Covid-19. It remains to be seen whether more people will start to take their masks off in outdoor areas, especially if there is an uptick in case numbers in the next few weeks — or, touch wood, a new variant. But the fact is that they now have a choice they didn't have before. ## "Personal responsibility" playing a bigger role Singaporeans' newfound freedom to unmask outdoors is the latest step in a series of Covid-19 management changes that place more emphasis on personal responsibility, and less on government mandate. In early 2020, confirmed cases were whisked off in special ambulances and isolated in special wards, while close contacts and overseas arrivals were given strict orders to isolate themselves. Today, however, the vast majority of people with Covid-19 recover at home, with many excluded from the daily tally of cases as they are able to self-isolate. Now, even the closest contacts of Covid-19 cases — such as partners and household members — are free to carry out daily activities, even with a Covid-19 case in their house, and without a negative Covid-19 test result. On that note, contact tracing has also been stepped down significantly, with the strict quarantine orders eventually [replaced by the Health Risk Notice](https://backend.mothership.sg/2022/03/clarke-quay-reopen/), which is an advisory to take precautions, no longer an order to comply. Yes, [not everyone can be trusted](https://mothership.sg/2022/02/friend-close-contact-comes-for-cny-gathering/) to exercise personal (and social) responsibility. But the granting of some additional responsibility to a population that has mostly been [policed into strict compliance with the law](https://backend.mothership.sg/2022/03/ong-ye-kung-tiktok/) should surely be welcomed. When self-isolation was first [announced](https://www.facebook.com/MothershipSG/videos/644909460246759/), the health ministry's Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said it was to give members of the public "empowerment to be able to take charge of your health". But self-isolation was — thankfully — not something everyone got to experience first-hand. Going mask-free outdoors, however, is a choice available to all, even if few choose it. ## Risk and reward "What about the risk?", you might ask. Objectively speaking, the freedom to remove one's mask while outdoors does increase the risk that one could infect or be infected. Naturally, some will be less comfortable with outdoor masklessness — but some will be more comfortable. A man who preferred to have his mask removed while outdoors succinctly told Mothership: "I f\ck it already." You might be immediately recoiling at how "irresponsible" that comment sounds — perhaps because your views on outdoor mask-wearing are at odds with his. ### Going maskless immediately visible, other riskier behaviour less visible But, consider that there could be others who keep their masks on at all times in public while engaging in way more risky, and less visible behaviour. Sharing drinks and food with [multiple sets of 10 visitors](https://www.gov.sg/article/revised-safe-management-measures) in a residential unit comes to mind — totally legal, by the way, as long as they take turns. In other words, we need to have a sense of proportion about what we observe. The "personal" aspect of "personal responsibility" means that we each have to decide our own course based on our own risk appetite, because the government has stepped back and isn't going to do it for us anymore (at least in this area). Therefore, if the prospect of meeting unmasked people outdoors bothers you, keep your own mask on, keep your distance, and find alternate routes and routines that allow you to stay indoors more. But also realise that all these steps will achieve very little when stacked against the relatively greater danger from [activities like dining in](https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2020/12/15/this-is-how-quickly-covid-19-can-spread-in-a-restaurant-per-new-study/?sh=6e210c571fe4), which the authorities rightly deem "higher risk". ## Personal responsibility vs SDAs While the past two years saw some of the strictest impositions on the lives of people in Singapore, we have come a long way from those days. With more aspects of Covid-19 management left to individuals, we can expect less external "supervision". With that, the number of safe distancing ambassadors (SDAs) in Singapore is [expected to be scaled down](https://mothership.sg/2022/03/number-sdas-scaled-down/), as more restrictions are eased and if Singaporeans take on more "social and personal responsibility". SDAs, and their sometimes ever-present patrolling of popular spots, have no doubt played a role in keeping Singapore safe. But moves like allowing people in Singapore to go without masks when outdoors will do more to encourage personal responsibility than 1,000 SDAs ever could. ## Related story Top photo by Andrew Koay* *Follow and listen to our podcast here* [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/fb-icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/tw-icon.svg)](https://twitter.com/share?text=Comment:%20People%20choosing%20to%20keep%20masks%20on%20while%20outdoors%20in%20S'pore%20is%20a%20good%20sign&url=https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) [![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/svg/whats-icon.svg)](whatsapp://send?text=https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) If you like what you read, follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MothershipSG), [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mothershipsg), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/MothershipSG) and [Telegram](https://t.me/mothershipsg) to get the latest updates. ## More Stories: [Paradigm Mall JB offering RM50 (S\$14.45) vouchers for any traveller who shows passport at concierge All you have to do is show your passport and sign up for the "WCT Buddy" app. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 06:24 PM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/paradigm-mall-johor-bahru-vouchers/) [Tributes pour in for late Law Society President Adrian Tan, accomplished lawyer & witty writer Several Singaporeans also paid tribute to the impact of his books on their lives. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 04:28 PM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/adrian-tan-tributes/) [Kit Chan to perform 'Home', 1998 S'pore National Day song, at free concert on Aug. 5, 2023 Nostalgia. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 03:38 PM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/kit-chan-home-national-day-2023/) [Confused horse spotted trotting along cars on BKE, escorted to safety by LTA officer Like a fish out of water. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 03:21 PM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/confused-horse-spotted-trotting-along-cars-on-bke-escorted-to-safety-by-lta-officer/) [Man, 43, on trial for murdering daughter, 5, after months of confining her naked in toilet with son, 4 The man disposed of items linked to the girl's death, and told police she hit her head on a slide. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 03:07 PM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/murder-daughter-confined-naked-toilet-abuse/) [S'pore bus services to JB now available on Grab & Shopee ranging from S\$3 to S\$11 More options for weekend getaways. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 01:02 PM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/singapore-jb-bus-service-grab-shopee/) [South Korean actor Ji Chang Wook to be in S'pore on Jul. 13 for Giorgio Armani Mare pop-up That smoulder. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 11:46 AM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/south-korean-ji-chang-wook-singapore/) [Lorry swerves into 5 motorcycles & car on SLE towards BKE, 5 injured The motorcyclists, aged 24 to 33, were injured and conveyed conscious to hospital. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 11:40 AM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/lorry-swerve-motorcycles-sle-bke/) [Eminent S'pore economist Lim Chong Yah dies at age 91 RIP. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 11:39 AM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/lim-chong-yah-dies/) [Firsthand from Dakota: Retired hawker, 70, now bombastic magician full of main character energy He used to sell noodles. Now he's spinning umbrellas on the tip of a ballpoint pen. ![](https://mothership.sg/assets/images/icons/clock.png)July 09, 2023, 09:40 AM](https://mothership.sg/2023/07/tok-tok-man-umbrella-tricks/) [Load more stories](https://mothership.sg/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/) [About](https://mothership.sg/about-us) \\| [Advertise with us](https://mothership.sg/about-us#sales) \\| [Contact us](https://mothership.sg/about-us#contact-us) \\| [We Are Hiring](https://mothership.sg/careers) \\| [Privacy policy](https://mothership.sg/privacy-policy/) Copyright © 2020 Mothership. All rights reserved.
Readable Markdown	null
Shard	192 (laksa)
Root Hash	22058621854342192
Unparsed URL	sg,mothership!/2022/04/comment-removing-masks-outdoors-singapore/ s443