We have been living with the coronavirus for almost two years and already there is talk of a possible fifth wave in South Africa. As we learn to live with COVID-19, masks remain a vital preventative method in managing the spread of the virus.
A number of reports and studies have dubbed cloth masks as less effective against the Omicron variant and opened up a debate on the kind of masks that should be available to people as the pandemic continues.
But a local COVID-19 expert recommends the use of a cloth mask. Not only are they cheaper and more accessible, but also provide sufficient protection against the virus.
Masks still important
Dr Portia Mutevedzi is a Senior Epidemiologist at the Wits VIDA Research Unit, where they focus on respiratory disease research. A lot of her work covers COVID-19 research, including risk factors, incidents and virus prevalence.
Mutevedzi noted that the fourth wave, driven by the Omicron variant, is still being observed. We are still in the incubation period and are still going to see the effect of the festive season.
“So, even if a person has been vaccinated, it’s still important for them to wear masks and practice all the preventative measures. Providing education and answering questions around mask use and its effectiveness is still important,” said Mutevedzi.
Masks ‘block droplets’
“There has been a lot of evolution in mask use because COVID-19 is a new disease and we discover new information each day through research and science. As we get new information, this also changes the preventative methods that are involved in controlling the spread of the virus. For example, it was first reported that COVID-19 is an airborne disease. Now, we know it’s transmissable through This also changes the preventative methods, including the use of masks,” explained Mutevedzi.
Masks work to stop the spread of the virus from one person to the next by blocking droplets when talking or sneezing.
A number of reports and studies have dubbed cloth masks as less effective against the Omicron variant and opened up a debate on the kind of masks that should be available to people as the pandemic continues.
But a local COVID-19 expert recommends the use of a cloth mask. Not only are they cheaper and more accessible, but also provide sufficient protection against the virus.
Masks still important
Dr Portia Mutevedzi is a Senior Epidemiologist at the Wits VIDA Research Unit, where they focus on respiratory disease research. A lot of her work covers COVID-19 research, including risk factors, incidents and virus prevalence.
Mutevedzi noted that the fourth wave, driven by the Omicron variant, is still being observed. We are still in the incubation period and are still going to see the effect of the festive season.
“So, even if a person has been vaccinated, it’s still important for them to wear masks and practice all the preventative measures. Providing education and answering questions around mask use and its effectiveness is still important,” said Mutevedzi.
Masks ‘block droplets’
“There has been a lot of evolution in mask use because COVID-19 is a new disease and we discover new information each day through research and science. As we get new information, this also changes the preventative methods that are involved in controlling the spread of the virus. For example, it was first reported that COVID-19 is an airborne disease. Now, we know it’s transmissable through This also changes the preventative methods, including the use of masks,” explained Mutevedzi.
Masks work to stop the spread of the virus from one person to the next by blocking droplets when talking or sneezing.
Mutevedzi said that if people want to be extra cautious, they should wear two. – Health-e News
