As South Africans prepare to enter Level 4 Lockdown on May 1, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, (CoGTA), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced that wearing face masks will be mandatory.
According to the National Health Department, wearing a mask when in public places, especially crowded places, can help slow the spread of Covid-19.
However, the National Department of Health emphasises that when wearing a mask, hand-washing and social distancing remain the most important interventions to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, recommends the widespread use of cloth masks. Cloth masks are easy and not expensive to make. They are reusable and help reduce the transmission of COVID-19, acting like a shield to contain the respiratory droplets through which the virus spreads.
With South Africans rallying together during this difficult time, several initiatives are underway to create cloth masks.
Read more: Sew a mask and save a life today with Masks4All
One such initiative is being run Ria Roodt and Mr Lin, a local factory owner who runs Calima Trading.
Ria explains the initiative began when the lockdown initially started, and people began searching for masks. She approached Mr Lin and the project was thus born.
“We immediately got the necessary permits, which allows a number of the factory workers to still acquire a source of income during this time,” Ria explains.
She also got a number of local women to help with the initiative, ensuring there is a steady supply of masks.
The masks cost R10 each. However, if bought in bulk, such as 10 000 masks or more, Ria says pricing can possibly be adjusted for the bulk purchase.
One of the benefits of the masks, is that they are 2-ply and waterproof.
“To test the masks, we put water in them and left them for 24 hours. Not a single drop of water leaked through the masks,” Ria enthuses.
With the masks made in hygienic surroundings, assisting in curbing the spread of COVID-19, this is not the only benefit of supporting the initiative.
Mr Lin, whose factory usually trades as a clothing factory, explains that the textile industry has sustained a substantial knock during the lockdown. As several retailers were forced to cancel their orders, factories faced the daunting challenge of trying to support their staff.
Through the initiative, 25 staff members are now able to work and earn an income during these difficult times. Ria adds that the women who are assisting from their homes, are also able to source an income.
As face masks will be mandatory as of May 1, be sure to get your today. Anyone interested in support Ria and Calima Trading, can contact Ria on 081 270 0796.
