S. African gov't recommends widespread use of face masks to guard against COVID-19

In an about-turn, the South African government on Tuesday recommended that the public use cloth face masks to guard against COVID-19.

The main benefit of everyone wearing a facemask is to reduce the amount of coronavirus being coughed up by those with the infection thereby reducing its spread through droplets, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

"Since some persons with the coronavirus may not have symptoms or may not know they are infected, everyone should wear a facemask," said A Pillay, Acting Director-General at the Department of Health.

"The National Department of Health therefore recommends that everyone in South Africa should wear a cloth facemask, also known as a non-medical mask, when in public," Pillay said.

Commuters travelling in taxis and other forms of public transport, as well as people spending time in spaces where physical distancing is difficult to practice, are particularly encouraged to wear cloth facemasks, said Pillay.

But he noted that the public should not use surgical or N-95 respirator masks which are critical supplies that must be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

"The public is strongly discouraged from using these masks," he added.

There has been much debate globally and locally about whether members of the general public should be advised to wear facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the epidemic unfolds, support for the wide use of cloth facemasks, including for people who are not ill, is growing.

South African health officials had publicly voiced objection to the public wearing face masks except for medical workers and sick people.

In South Africa, there has been much antipathy among the public towards people wearing masks, leading to a series of incidents of discrimination in this regard.

But as the pandemic continues to spread in the country, the government has changed its attitude.

As of Monday, South Africa recorded 3,300 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 58 deaths.

Health Minister Zweli Mkheki was among the first to recommend the use of face masks. He said earlier this month that wearing a mask when in public places, especially crowded places, can help slow the spread of COVID-19.