UNMASKED... AND UNCERTAIN Francistowners react to ‘lifting of the mask’
On Tuesday, after almost two-anda-half years in which the nation was forced to wear facemasks when leaving their homes as a preventive measure against the spread of Covid-19, government announced the wearing of masks outdoors was now optional.
It follows similar moves by nations around the world, who have long allowed their peoples to move around mask-free - the United Kingdom (UK) dropped the law in April while South Africa did so in the middle of June.
With Covid cases seemingly under control, and considering the high number of people vaccinated in Botswana, government feels the time is right to follow suit.
However, as CHRISTINAH MOTLHABANE discovered when she ventured out into the streets of Francistown, many fear it is still too soon…
AMANTLE KERENG (18)
The government made a bad move because Covid is still out there. Even when the numbers are low, it shows we are at risk. Removing the masks will help it spread quickly again. I will wear my mask until I am totally sure there is no more Covid.
GAONE BOULEHI (28)
If the government wanted to end the wearing of masks, they could have stopped it everywhere. They should have addressed the country and explained why they saw fit to make it optional to wear masks outdoors. And stopping them outdoors only shows the country is not yet ready for a mask-free life. Government should have left people to wear masks rather than saying, “wear them indoors only”.
TEBOGO MOTSWAISO (38)
The removal of masks is not a good idea at all; it is still winter and scientists have indicated that Covid multiplies in cold weather. The government could have waited until we are certain that there is no more Covid in the country, or at least until it is a bit warmer. Now they have put the lives of people at risk; I will not be surprised to hear the numbers have gone up.
NCHIDZI KEBASIILE (27)
I think it was about time that we removed our masks. The country has been forced to wear masks for two years now, which is a long time. People have been vaccinated, so why not stop? And, we are approaching spring when Covid dies quickly. We hear it multiplies in winter.
KUDZANE BUNDULE (35)
People cannot remove masks in this weather unless they want to get sick. This cold weather causes flu and imagine when coughing while not wearing a mask, standing next to a person who’s not putting on their mask. The government should have left people to wear their masks until they are sure we are Corona free. There are still those who have not been vaccinated for Covid and that makes it easy for the disease to spread.
REX KAMOGELO (30)
What is the use of removing masks when outdoors and putting it on when indoors? It does not make sense because we are forced to go around holding them. I now believe in masks so it is hard for me to remove it. Also, I believe the disease is still there, just waiting to strike again; we have to be careful!