Embracing Responsibility in a Post-Pandemic World
A recent TikTok video from Circle.Life features a male employee animatedly presenting a marketing pitch during a video call, his mask hanging loosely below his chin. The caption reads, “that one colleague that’s waaay too loud in his zoom meeting 😒😒😒.” Behind him, amused coworkers record the scene, with one quipping, “IS THIS A TOWNHALL??”
Despite receiving only 1,006 likes, 25 comments, and 51 shares, the video humorously captures the realities of pandemic-era office life, blending the return to in-person work with the continued prevalence of video meetings. While this lighthearted portrayal of office dynamics is endearing, it also ignited a discussion about mask-wearing etiquette.
In the comments section, a user with the handle tiktoker69 chimed in, “wear ur mask la kunji”—a derogatory term in Tamil. I responded, “Stop mask policing lah. They know what they’re doing. Geez.” Circle.Life later clarified, “We promise it was for the TikTok only. All safety guidelines are followed as always.”
The conversation concluded with tiktoker69 labeling me a “covidiot,” a term that seemed to have faded from use during the height of the pandemic, but is now resurfacing as restrictions ease.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Spaces
On March 24, 2022, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that starting March 29, wearing masks outdoors would become optional for fully vaccinated individuals. Following this announcement, the Multi-Ministry Task Force provided clarity on which spaces are classified as indoor and outdoor.
Outdoor areas include HDB void decks, retail shop walkways, bus stops, and open-air sheltered walkways, while indoor spaces encompass offices, malls, lifts, public transport, hawker centres, wet markets, classrooms, and libraries.
I can’t help but worry whether Singaporeans will be able to distinguish between indoor and outdoor spaces without confusion. Yet, it’s unsurprising that the government felt the need to define these terms, even if the classifications aren’t comprehensive. It’s unrealistic to expect exhaustive categorization of every space, so common sense, prudence, and social responsibility are essential.
Following the Science
As we move beyond semantics, can we trust Singaporeans to self-regulate mask mandates without the need for vigilant policing by others? Will we be able to adopt a more understanding mindset when faced with ambiguous situations?
I want to believe so, but social media comments suggest otherwise. In response to a dance video of masked youth performers, users questioned the legality of their gathering, missing the artistic intent entirely. “Is a group of more than five allowed?” one asked, while another replied, “Yes, anywhere got mask on, no need safe distancing.”
Our society has a penchant for rules, often leading to a culture of enforcement rather than understanding. Many do not mask-police because they grasp the science behind virus transmission but because it’s mandated by law. This culture is conducive to a wartime mentality, not one of returning to normalcy.
However, the decision to make masks optional outdoors signals the government’s commitment to science. “From a virus standpoint, there’s no indication that omicron behaves differently in outdoor settings,” notes Dr. Preeti Malani, an infectious disease expert.
The Spectrum of Mask-Wearing
With this announcement, it’s evident that the term “optional” has left many Singaporeans uncertain. It’s important to remember that while masks will not be required outdoors, they are still permissible. Each individual has the agency to decide whether to wear a mask based on their personal risk tolerance.
Social responsibility dictates that if someone is unwell, they should wear a mask, regardless of the new regulations. For those who have grown more conscious about hygiene during the pandemic, keeping a mask on is also perfectly acceptable.
As vaccinated tourists return, we may see varied choices regarding mask-wearing. It’s crucial that we remain understanding of others’ decisions, whether they choose to wear a mask or not.
Mask-wearing can now be viewed as a spectrum rather than a strict rule. For example, I may prefer everyone to wear a mask if I’m with friends who live with unvaccinated elderly family members, while feeling comfortable without a mask at a park with my vaccinated family.
Naturally Divided Opinions
Despite these positive changes, some believe we are easing restrictions too rapidly. These individuals often praise nations like China, where strict measures have been enforced. Comments on social media reveal apprehension about the new guidelines.
In response to the guidelines, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has called for greater personal responsibility. “If more people can uphold personal responsibility, we will scale back our SDAs and redeploy them to other sectors with a high demand for manpower,” he explained.
As the role of Safety Distancing Ambassadors diminishes, it’s now up to Singaporeans to self-regulate and exercise sound judgment—an effort that may prove challenging.
For me, come March 29 at 12:01 a.m., I plan to stroll through the quiet streets of Serangoon North and Serangoon Gardens, mask-free, relishing the fresh air. In the afternoon, I’ll stand at the bus stop, soaking up the sun and enjoying the moment, regardless of any sideways glances I might receive. After all, embracing a hint of normalcy is worth the small price of public scrutiny.
