Studies show that wearing a cloth mask or similar piece of clothing that covers both your nose and mouth at all times when one is in public is one of those measures that reduces the rate of transmission of the virus.
These are the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa as he addressed the nation of Wednesday night regarding the latest developments with regard to Covid-19.
He said millions of South Africans – including small children – are now wearing cloth masks whenever they leave home.
However, the President raised a concern that there are some South Africans who have not yet taken up the practice of wearing masks.
“We would like to encourage everyone in our country to wear masks when they are in public. Let us make sure that we do not share masks and that we wash our masks thoroughly in soap and water after each use.
“The wearing of masks, however, is no substitute for regular washing of hands with soap and water or sanitiser and maintaining a distance of at least 1.5 metres from other people.
Let us all remember not to touch our faces with unwashed hands, and clean and sanitise surfaces regularly.
We should also keep in mind that social distancing is still one of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of the virus,” said Ramaphosa.
He emphasised that these basic practices are becoming even more important as the country ease the lockdown and enter a new phase in a response to coronavirus.
He said these are still the best ways of containing the spread of the virus.
