Politician's mask wins Jedi's praise

Tuesday 14 April 2020

A local politician's Star Wars-themed face mask has won the approval of Luke Skywalker himself.

Deputy Kevin Pamplin posted a photo of himself sporting the protective cloth covering made by his daughter's grandmother while enjoying time on the beach over the Easter weekend.

Captioned "May the force be with you", the St. Saviour representative's Twitter post went on to address Luke Skywalker - otherwise known as actor Mark Hamill - directly.

"Have a spare @HamillHimself if you need," he offered.

“May the force be with you”
With thanks to Bea’s grandma for my @starwars mask. Have a spare @HamillHimself if you need. Well done for today #JerseyCI let’s be even better tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/vBUjKuWl5I

— Deputy Kevin Pamplin (@KevinPamplin) April 12, 2020

The post received a wave of approval from islanders, generating over 100 'likes', but also piqued the interest of Mr Hamill.

He replied: "Thanks for the offer, but please give it to a loved one."

Jersey's Medical Officer for Health Dr Ivan Muscat "strongly recommended" that islanders, and particularly essential workers, should wear non-medical face coverings when out in public places, such as whilst shopping.

Thanks for the offer, but please give it to a loved one.

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) April 12, 2020

In the face of an emerging movement – ‘Masks4All’ - gaining popularity amongst Jersey’s medical profession, Dr Muscat was initially hesitant to endorse the use of material masks due to limited data about their efficacy in slowing the spread of covid-19.

However, having looked at evidence from other infections, Dr Muscat concluded: “Using cloth masks to cover your nose and mouth will reduce the transmission of large respiratory droplets from the person wearing the mask to others. To a lesser extent, the masks may also protect the wearer from others.

“It is now strongly recommended that non-medical face coverings are worn in public places while islanders are observing ‘Stay at Home’ guidance, particularly when shopping for essentials, and by essential workers where appropriate.” 

The senior doctor continued: “Cloth masks may also act as a reminder that we live in different times and should be staying home as much as possible.”