From privacy to protection, there are some surprising upsides to mask-wearing.
SINGAPORE — After three long years, Singapore has officially moved into DORSCON Green, and with it, masks are no longer mandatory. For many, this marks the end of a tumultuous period where masks became as much a part of daily life as the weather forecast. But as we say our goodbyes, it feels like a bittersweet farewell—because as much as we hated the inconvenience, there are some unexpected benefits that we’ll miss.
The Early Days of Mask-Wearing
It’s hard to remember a time when wearing a mask wasn’t the norm. Before the pandemic, the only time we thought about masks was during the haze. But when the first COVID-19 case was confirmed on January 23, 2020, things began to change rapidly. Initially, masks were recommended for those who were sick, but soon, Singaporeans were stocking up in anticipation, with retailers quickly selling out of the 5 million masks released by the government. Prices soared as sellers capitalized on the surge in demand.
By April 2020, masks became mandatory for all, and failure to comply would result in hefty fines. The complaints were many — masks were uncomfortable, hard to breathe in, and became damp with sweat in the tropical heat. Yet, as time went on, we got used to the discomfort. Masks even became part of our fashion wardrobe, with mask chains becoming a popular accessory.
The End of an Era
By August 2022, after almost two years of mask mandates, the government allowed masks to be removed in most settings, though public transport and high-risk places remained exceptions. Now, with masks no longer required on public transport starting next Monday, we find ourselves saying goodbye to a companion that became surprisingly indispensable.
Why We’ll Miss Masks
While the idea of mask-free living is exciting, there are several benefits masks provided that we’ll miss:
1. Protection from Bad Breath
Masks served a dual purpose—keeping out germs and bad breath. Whether it was morning breath or the foul air from unshowered commuters, masks shielded us from the unpleasant odors of others… and sometimes, our own.
2. Not Being Told to Smile More
For many, wearing a mask meant not having to smile on demand, especially in awkward social situations. Behind a mask, we could go about our day without the unsolicited pressure to “smile more” — a request all too familiar to many, especially women.
3. Lip-Syncing in Public
Who hasn’t been caught lip-syncing to their favorite tune on the bus? Masks gave us the freedom to sing our hearts out without anyone noticing. Whether it was that rainy day playlist or the latest karaoke hit, masks made it easier to let loose.
4. Mask-Fishing
Masks have a funny way of enhancing how we look. A study from Cardiff University found that people look more attractive with masks on, likely due to the mystery of a covered face. Not only did it elevate the attractiveness of others, but it also gave us a confidence boost by hiding blemishes and insecurities, like that stubborn pimple you’d rather not deal with.
5. Protection from Airborne Germs
There’s no scientific data to prove it, but for many, the pandemic years felt healthier with masks. Minus the odd bout of COVID-19, it seemed like we caught fewer colds and other illnesses while masks were a daily habit.
6. Saving Time on Makeup
What’s the point of spending time on makeup when no one sees the bottom half of your face? The mask was an efficient cover-up, allowing us to skip the lipstick and focus on eye makeup instead. Now, we’ll have to go back to doing our full face — or maybe we won’t!
7. Lipstick Savings
Speaking of makeup, did you know the average price of a lipstick in Singapore is around $25? With masks, we didn’t have to splurge on various shades for each day of the week. Goodbye, expensive lipsticks!
Final Thoughts
While it’s great to be able to step outside mask-free, there’s no denying that masks offered more than just protection. They became an unspoken part of our routine, giving us a layer of comfort, privacy, and convenience we didn’t know we’d miss. But for now, it’s time to adjust and step into a new chapter.
