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The provincial Department of Health is advising everyone to wear masks especially if they move around in public.
Masks are not the only solution in the fight against Covid-19 and must accompany other good hygiene practices.
The most important thing everyone should do is:
Wearing a mask does not remove all the risk of contracting Covid-19.
Don’t use medical masks
The Western Cape Government’s top priority is to ensure that front-line health workers, who are caring for those with Covid-19, have the required N95 respirators and medical masks so that they are protected when undertaking their duties and helping to save lives.
There is a global shortage of these masks so residents should not obtain or use these, so that there are enough for healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics.
Cloth masks
A cloth mask, if appropriately used and cleaned, offers the following protection:
When to use a cloth mask
Using a mask correctly
Wash your hands before applying and after removing a mask. Don’t touch the cloth part, never fiddle with it while wearing it and don’t touch your face. Discard disposable masks and wash cloth masks with warm soapy water and iron when dry.
It is very important to use a cloth mask properly. If masks are not properly used this can contribute to spreading Covid-19. The simple guidelines are:
Maintaining the mask
Have two cloth masks per person so you will be able to wash one and have a clean one ready for use.
Make your own mask
A cloth mask is simple to make. There are many videos on YouTube demonstrating how to make them.
The Western Cape Government has called on the people of the Western Cape to make cloth masks in line with the approved cloth mask standard.
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