CITY OF CAPE TOWN | 17 MAY 2020 | MEDIA RELEASE
The Executive Mayor Dan Plato, joined by Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos, distributed cloth masks donated by the private sector. Masks were handed out at the Wesfleur and Witsand informal trading areas.
‘I am concerned that many people were not wearing a mask, but we supplied them with a reusable and washable cloth mask and explained the importance of adhering to the lockdown regulations. We all have an individual responsibility to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and lessen the impact on our communities. It is very important that residents understand how vital it is to adhere to the lockdown regulations of social distancing, wearing face masks and washing hands regularly. We as government must continue our efforts to sensitise the public about how they can help flatten the curve. I was, however, encouraged to see that businesses in the area provided hand sanitizer for shoppers to cleanse their hands as they entered the store and that they also required a face mask to be worn,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.
In addition to the face masks, education around COVID-19 was a focus too through pamphlets given to each resident receiving a mask.
The national lockdown which started on 26 March 2020, has highlighted the need for us to search for new ways of preserve our health and safety. As we continue to fight the Coronavirus, please keep following the regulations.
Since the start of the lockdown, we have been distributing the thousands of masks, many of which have been donated by the private sector. The masks handed out today were part of an additional donation by POLO SA, who have donated more than 200 000 cloth masks. We are grateful for the contributions and generosity of the business sector.
‘This is a partnership to ensure that businesses remain safe and implement health protocols, as we need to work together to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. We are thankful for the contribution by the business sector for playing their part and helping entrepreneurs operate under safe and hygienic conditions,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos.
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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town