KEEP YOUR MASKS ON

Keep Your Masks On

Although lockdown regulations might have relaxed over the last few weeks, the wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory.

This was announced by Health Minister Joe Phaahla at a media briefing on Friday. The briefing highlighted the government’s efforts in the fight against Covid-19 and the national vaccination rollout programme.

Under the Level 1 lockdown regulations, wearing a mask in public is still mandatory, and any person who fails to comply with a verbal instruction from a law enforcement officer to wear a mask commits an offence, reports News24.

The Minister emphasised that those who do not wear a mask in public is liable to a fine or imprisonment, not more than six months.

The regulations regarding the wearing of a mask while using public transport is still applicable as well.

During the briefing, the Minister was asked whether the wearing of masks would soon be a thing of the past, but he responded by saying merely that the government had not yet been advised on getting rid of mask mandates.

“It will be discussed as other countries do effect changes on masks,” Phaala said. “Our Ministerial Advisory Committee will discuss the matter and give us advice, but we will also consider, based on the advice, look(ing) at the experiences elsewhere.”

Image credit: Daily Maverick