As Mzansi rejoices following the termination of major Covid-19 regulations, not all are jumping for joy. Some of Mzansi’s citizens say that they will still proceed with caution after health minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, gazetted the repeal of mask-wearing, limited gatherings, and travel requirements on Wednesday evening.
Ashleigh Ludolph (23), from Cape Town, says that she was stunned to see how quick her co-workers were to relinquish their masks when she stepped into the office on Thursday morning.
“It makes me so nervous,” she says. “To be honest, Covid-19 really opened my eyes to how easy it is to get sick and just how that little mask can keep you safe from general things like the flu and not just Covid.”
The last two years of the pandemic have been nothing short of traumatising, Ludolph adds. “I feel like it is bound to happen again because one one person can get Covid and spread it. That is how it happened the first time so I will continue to wear my mask, I’ll rather be safe than sorry.”
Others enjoying newfound freedom
Meanwhile in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, 21-year-old Keenan Japhta is excited to be “outside” again without “stifling” regulations.
He tells Health For Mzansi, “I won’t be wearing a mask since the regulations have been lifted. The only Covid regulations I will be following is that I will wash my hands after I have been out in public.”
Kyran Blaauw (26) from De Aar, also in the Northern Cape, says that he will be cautiously enjoying this newfound freedom.
“I probably will still be wearing a mask in the next couple of weeks just to suss out the situation and see what happens, but I will be approaching it with some kind of caution and flexibility now that we know mask-wearing is no longer strictly implemented.”
Health For Mzansi reader, Kyran Blaauw
He will not be recklessly partying up a storm without a mask, he adds. “In terms of group settings, I am not big on social gatherings so that does not affect me, but if I do find myself in a very crowded space, I probably will still be wearing a mask. I am really happy to see that we are moving towards a post-Covid world like in 2019 before this mess started.”
No mask, no problems?
Minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga, says that she supports the repeal of the mask mandate for learners.
“In line with this decision to repeal the regulations, wearing of face masks by learners in classrooms, and indoor gatherings is no longer a requirement. Those learners and staff who wish to continue to wear a face mask in schools will be allowed to exercise this option,” says the minister.
Margaux Saaiman, a 28-year-old teacher from Prieska in the Northern Cape, says that she will continue to wear masks and sanitise surfaces in her classroom to protect her family and learners in her classroom.
“I will still use a mask because I work with learners, and I do not want to expose them if I do get exposed to Covid. I also have to think about my family’s well-being.”
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