Covid-19: Health minister recommends widespread use of masks to prevent spread of coronavirus

Mkhize recommended that individuals make their own masks or support small business which are making cloth masks. He said that the N95 masks should be reserved for those who are on the frontline dealing with patients.

“This is going to be one of the most helpful things when people are in crowded areas like taxis. It is a new culture that we have to learn.”

He added that scientists have evidence that if those who have the virus wears masks, they reduce the chances of infecting others. “There are certain guidelines we must encourage people of. For example, you mustn’t keep touching the mask when it’s on and try, as far as possible, to keep the mask on when conversing with others, especially if they cough or sneeze.”

Mkhize said that the public should then treat the masks as infected and ensure they wash their hands and the mask frequently.

Cloth face mask recommendations: #MasksCOVID19 #ClothFaceMask @COVID_19_ZA @HealthZA pic.twitter.com/ptNsa4oUFl

— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) April 10, 2020

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