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Lawrence Lifa Herald Correspondent
Mutare residents have been warned against sharing washable masks, since this puts them at risk of contracting Covid-19.
This follows revelations that some people had resorted to exchanging masks to be allowed entry into supermarkets.
The Government made it mandatory for citizens to wear masks when going out into the public.
Mutare health director Dr Anthony Mutara said sharing masks exposed people to the deadly disease.
He said reusable masks should be restricted to use by only one person.
“A mask is meant to be used by one person and not to be shared, as this exposes the people involved to infections,” he said.
Explaining the dangers of sharing masks, the city health director said: “You don’t put on a mask that has been used by another person because you breathe in the virus if the person is infected. The mask has to be used by the same person in its life cycle.
“Those using washable masks have to wash, dry and iron them to kill the virus before they use them again. I hear shops are turning away people without masks and it is unfortunate those without are now opting to sharing risking themselves.”
Dr Mutara further warned residents that it is not safe to randomly buying the masks from streets.
This also comes amid revelations that people were trying on masks in search of their right sizes, thereby reversing efforts being put to combat further spreading of the virus.
“Everyone is now making masks as this is has presented opportunities for people at home. There is however no guarantee of quality and safety,” he said.
Shops in Mutare were yesterday turning away shoppers without face masks after Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo urged them and industries not serve such people as part of efforts to contain the pandemic.
Online Reporter