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Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has recommended that South Africans start wearing cloth masks to help limit the spread of Covid-19, rather than wearing medical masks reserved for health workers.
“The use of masks is important. We want to recommend the widespread use of masks. We recommend that people wear cloth masks and just make sure there is a three-layer type of thing,” he said during a briefing on Friday.
Mkhize said wearing a mask in public places may help delay the spread of the coronavirus, but that other hygiene measures were also crucial.
“Even when wearing a mask, hand washing and social distancing are still the most important interventions to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
“Cloth masks are easy and inexpensive to make, reusable, and help reduce Covid-19 transmission by acting as a shield to contain the respiratory droplets through which the virus spreads,” said Mkhize.
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He said the purpose of the masks is to reduce the drops that come out of the mouth or nose when talking, coughing, and sneezing.
“Avoid touching the mask or face while you are away and when you return home, wash the mask with soap and water immediately without using chemicals, and wash your hands again.
“After washing the masks, they should be ironed or allowed to dry in the sun. You should not share your mask with anyone else, and it is preferable that each person have two masks so that they can be interchanged during washes.”
“Remember not to tamper with the inner layer of the mask when you take it off or put it on,” Mkhize said.
He also asked members of the public to refrain from wearing medical masks.
“The public should not wear medical masks. These are reserved as personal protective equipment for our healthcare workers, who are on the front line of our battle against Covid-19.
“Our healthcare workers need medical-grade respirators and masks to stay healthy and life-saving for people who have Covid-19. Let us give you the tools to fight that battle,” he said.
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