Keep your mask close

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday October 4, 2022 06:00

Wearing of masks behind closed doors has been mandatory following the government’s August decision that the public was freed from masking in outdoor spaces.

According to a press statement from the ministry, all other remaining COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing in schools and requirements for vaccination or PCR tests at ports of entry have also been relaxed.

Statistics still show that hundreds still die daily due to the pandemic around the world. Since COVID-19 is still with us, just like MOH, The Monitor advises Batswana to ensure that they are vaccinated or have taken their booster shots, if due, so that they remain protected against the virus. The danger is not gone and with masks being put aside, those who have not been vaccinated face a higher risk of contracting the virus.

The ministry advises parents to allow their children aged five to 18 years, to also get vaccinated against COVID-19. As authorities put it, it is only through vaccination against the disease that people can freely go about with their everyday lives without fear of any possibility of severe symptoms, if they get infected. Despite the latest relaxation on COVID-19 protocols, the ministry still advises Batswana and residents of this country to use their discretion to continue following some protocols, as this can help safeguard their health.

We would like to amplify this and further encourage all to play their part to ensure everyone is safe. We further call on the government to consider making it compulsory to wear masks in some places such as in health facilities.

With the current relaxation of restrictions, those with ill health could likely infect others during hospital visitations. It has also been proven that during the times we wore masks, there were fewer cases of flu, proving that indeed masks could help with more than just containment of COVID-19 infections.

As a precaution, we call on all Batswana to ensure they have a mask within reach for any period one could feel vulnerable. Since the announcement, a good number of Batswana are still masking in public.

We encourage them to do the same and for all others to remember how masks saved our lives and keep them close. Businesses and other entities should also be proactive and urge any client who could be showing signs of COVID-19 or flu to mask up.