Health Minister, Doctor Zweli Mkhize, in a televised press conference, recommended that South Africans wear homemade cloth masks when in public. This is after scientific evidence showed that fabric coverings of the face lower the transmission of the Corona Virus. Makgotso Miriam Klopper, a seamstress, in Matatiele adhered to the call and is now making cloth masks. According to Miriam, she saw on the news that there is a shortage of masks, as a seamstress, she then decided to make cloth masks. She first made two samples and they were bought instantly. She said she would appreciate if people or government would support her by placing orders during the lockdown especially during this difficult period as she cannot afford to pay her debts. Minister said people should refrain from wearing specialised masks as there is a shortage of masks for health workers. The National Institute of Communicable Disease a research agency also appealed to the public to not use masks if they do not show symptoms unless they are caring for someone with the disease.
