“Stop releasing half-baked guidelines” — Netizens remain confused about “indoor” “outdoor” and “only when eating” mask rules

In response to yet another news article clarifying the new set of safety measures regarding the use of facemasks against the spread of Covid-19, netizens are still expressing their confusion over exceptions such as being indoors, outdoors, or even the cases where eating is a special case. Others have questioned the effectiveness of the rules.

On Thursday (March 24) PM Lee announced that the nation would put a new set of safety measures in place starting on Tuesday (March 19.) Though mask donning will be optional outdoors, they will still be mandatory indoors. Aside from this, the maximum capacity of group gatherings and events has been increased. However, the rules do not seem to be as black and white as they sound.

In recent news, an entire news forum thread was dedicated to questions, clarifications, and even reactions concerning the new set of rules. While some more introverted Singaporeans merely expressed their lack of excitement to participate in gatherings, others raised questions such as what exactly is considered an “indoor” or an “outdoor” venue.

Even a day before the rules are set to be implemented, netizens are still voicing their concern over what some see as an unclear and not-entirely-effective set of rules. In response to a published guide for Singaporeans, netizens shared their two cents.

“To be honest, Singapore (is) able to keep cases in control partly because of citizens’ mask-wearing. To remove this restriction is really foolish,” one wrote.

Another had a more direct approach, saying, “It’s really sad that multiple Ministers came together and this is the best they could do,” explaining that constantly having to switch between wearing and taking off a mask is “no meaningful change”.

Furthermore, the netizen pointed out that if Singaporean citizens are having a difficult time with the “ever-changing rules,” then foreigners would have an even harder time.

Another called out, “Stop releasing half-baked guidelines and what not if you guys don’t think before you implement.”