Wearing A Face Mask May Give You A False Sense Of Security

The government of Zimbabwe has again exhibited its penchant for flip-flopping after its recent policy that makes it mandatory for people to wear face masks when they are in public places.

In its coronavirus (COVID-19) update on 31 March 2020, the Ministry of Health and Child Care dissuaded members of the public from wearing face masks if they are not infected with the virus, saying doing so will give them a false sense of security. The Ministry said then:

The Ministry would also like to advise that, according to WHO, the wearing of masks in public areas by persons without symptoms is not recommended.

In addition to the cost burden, this may create a false sense of security that can lead to the neglect of other essential preventive measures.

However, under the Lockdown Level 2 regulations announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will arrest people leaving their homes without wearing masks starting tomorrow, Monday 4 May 2020.

Most retail shops have since announced that they will block customers without face masks from entering their premises.

People can wear face masks of any type, even home-made cloth ones. However, it is debatable whether all kinds of masks can prevent the spread of SARS CoV-2, the new coronavirus which causes COVID-19.