To mask or not to mask

Writer: Hedda Mittner.

The appeal issued by the Head of the Western Cape Health Department, urging healthy members of the public NOT to wear masks and gloves has led to much confusion among local residents and heated debates on social media.

Diane and Robyn Forster made 71 masks for Traffic & Law Enforcement, and refuse removers in one day.

The Health Department’s reasons for the appeal include “the risks these items pose in spreading the Coronavirus, if not used properly”. The statement goes on to say, “Scientific evidence proves that by wearing a mask, if it is not needed, you may put yourself at higher risk because you fiddle with the mask and then transfer germs from your hands to your face. Wearing a mask or gloves when going to the supermarket or pharmacy to buy essentials is ineffective, unnecessary, and will not protect you from the Coronavirus. In fact, it can spread infection faster.”

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 9)