Public shouldn’t wear masks
Many people feel that they can protect themselves against Covid-19 (coronavirus) by wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks as a precaution. However, the head of the Western Cape Health Department has issued an appeal to the general public of the province to not wear gloves and masks, due to the risks these items pose in spreading the coronavirus if not used properly. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a scarce commodity and should be used appropriately and by the appropriate people. If you are not ill and not in close contact with someone who has coronavirus, you do not need to wear a mask or gloves.
In general, PPE such as masks and gloves are only needed if you are in direct contact with, or caring for a person who is confirmed or suspected to have Covid-19,
A local plumbing business has proved that it is quite ready for emergencies amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Andy Blew, whose 23-year-old daughter, Holly, is Covid-19 positive, was impressed when Zaine Jacobs of Plumbrite arrived in full protective gear to attend to an emergency plumbing issue at his home.
"Our family has been in isolation for more than a week before national lockdown. We had a major plumbing problem and couldn't get anyone to come to sort it out. All didn't want to risk it. Zaine from Plumbrite was brilliant. They were so caring and we are very grateful for all his trouble and willingness to help us," says Blew.
Holly arrived back from Aspen in the US with a cough and nasal congestion on Friday 20 March. She was tested the next day and her results arrived on Tuesday morning, 24 March.
"She immediately went into the garden at home or in a health facility. This is part of infection control.
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.
If you have flu-like symptoms, call the national hotline on 0800 029 999 or the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102. cottage in 100% isolation on arrival back from the US. My wife, Bev, and I were not tested because they said it wasn't necessary. We are three people on the property, Bev and I in the house and Holly in the cottage. Bev and I have isolated 100% since the results on Tuesday."
Jacobs says the suit he wore was made for asbestos protection, as the medical hazard suits are not available.
"But we sanitised everything and wore masks, which I think are the most important."
Blew says they are equally impressed with the Department of Health. "They phone us daily to get updates. They ask us what the temperatures of the family are. We told them that we don't have a thermometer because all are sold out in town. No problem, the lady says. An hour later one is delivered to our house. No charge. No fuss. They deserve a compliment and to be supported in their daunting task in the fight against the coronavirus."