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Danisa Masuku
AFTER President Mnangagwa announced that wearing of face masks to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic is now mandatory, enterprising people seized the opportunity to produce face masks.
People have started wearing facemasks outside home as new rules come into force to curtail the spread of coronavirus (Covid -19). The use of cloth masks is now mandatory in public places such as on public transport and within shops.
Many people said they could not afford surgical face masks which are not re-usable. They have opted for re-usable face and nose coverings which are mostly going for $30 or US$1.
A B-Metro news crew caught up with Fanny Kadazi ,a a dressmaker who produces face masks for industrial companies and the general public.
“Before I embarked on this business a few weeks ago I sought advice from a leading medical doctor whom I cannot mention at the moment. He advised me to make a mask which is made of two or three layers saying it will act as a barrier against coronavirus and I had to heed the advice so far no customer has complained,” she said.
She added: “I saw a business opportunity as such I had to start manufacturing them and the business is booming thanks to the government for making it compulsory. I produce for companies and the general public.”
She said before wearing face masks was made mandatory it was difficult to make ends meet.
“I was facing difficulties in balancing my kitchen equation so this mandate came at an opportune time because as I speak now I can manage to buy basic commodities without any headache,” she said with a smile.
She said she uses social platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp to market her face masks.
“I’m on several WhatsApp groups where I post images of the face mask and I also post some on Facebook,” she said.
A shopper, Thulani Sibanda said: “It’s affordable and has more life since it’s re- usable (homemade mask) .If I have the virus without knowing — then it means that I don’t pass it on to the next person. It’s all about being responsible and caring for other people.”
Acting Mpilo central hospital chief executive officer Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said: “I advise the general public to wear face masks that are two or three layered so that it will act as a strong barrier against coronavirus.”
He discouraged people from using plastic bags and plastic bottles as mouth and face coverings.
Online Reporter