Local mine calls on employees, public to wear masks

Gold Fields South Deep Mine in Westonaria calls on all employees and communities to wear masks when they are in public to help in the fight against Covid-19.

Dr Setati, Occupational Medical Practitioner at Gold Fields’ South Deep Mine said, “Wearing masks is critical in preventing the spread of Covid-19. Clinical studies show that masks reduce the spray of respiratory droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. It forms a simple barrier which helps to prevent these droplets from travelling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes or talks.”

Dr Setati added that as South Africa approaches its Covid-19 peak, “It is important that all individuals remain vigilant and continue to maintain Covid-19 preventative measures such as wearing masks and social distancing when in public to help minimise the impact on the health of our people and our healthcare systems.

We are observing that a significant proportion of individuals with Covid-19 lack symptoms.

“Despite not showing any symptoms, these individuals can still transmit the virus to others. That is why it is so important that everyone, not just those who have tested positive or display symptoms, wears a mask when they leave their homes.”

Dr Setati also noted that when wearing a mask, it is important to always:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the face mask
• Be mindful not to touch the inside with your hands
• Make sure that the mask does not have any holes or tears
• Cover your nose and mouth completely
• Keep it on if you cough or sneeze
• Wash fabric face masks after every use with warm soapy water and iron when dry

South Deep said they continued to provide support and resources to communities through partnerships with local communities and non-governmental organisations. One of these initiatives includes the provision of masks to community members.

As South Deep, we are doing our best to lead by example. We ask each and every employee and community member to always be mindful that when we wear a mask, we protect others from ourselves.

“And, when others wear a mask, they protect us from them. It is the right thing to do,” concluded Dr Setati.