POLO South Africa has generously offered 10 000 cloth masks for handover by the Mayor’s office to communities in need. Mayor Dan Plato, joined by Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Heath, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, today distributed a portion of these masks to shoppers at Khayelitsha Mall and expressed gratitude for the significant donation, which will greatly assist in limiting the spread of the virus.
Following the national coronavirus lockdown that came into effect on 26 March 2020, after the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa, we have all had to adapt to prioritising our personal health and safety in ways that are new to many of us.
Washing our hands regularly, maintaining social distancing and wearing face masks when we leave our homes are all part of our new normal. Not everybody can afford to buy a cloth mask, which is why my office has been very grateful for the private businesses who have stepped forward during this time of great need and donated thousands of masks so that we are able to distribute to communities who need them most.
‘Our informal settlements have a great need for face masks and we are pleased to be able to handover this large quantity to help residents contain the spread of COVID-19. We need to continue the message of wearing face masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing as we are not yet over the peak of the virus. The private sector has really stepped up by offering food donations, face masks and cleaning materials. I would like to thank POLO for this donation and also Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien as we continue efforts to flatten the curve,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.
‘Our City Health Department is driving the message of COVID-19 prevention through our Environmental Health Practitioners. It is important that all residents know that they can protect themselves from the virus by wearing the face mask correctly when in public, and maintaining social distancing. Our corporate donors and partners are helping us flatten the curve and save the lives of our residents,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Heath Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The masks are durable, washable and reusable and are an effective way to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.
‘We thank Design Indaba and the City of Cape Town for making this project possible and for reaching the most vulnerable in our communities at such a crucial time to help flatten the curve. Thus far, 130 000 masks have been distributed via local councillors and this has been a tremendous team effort,’ said Mark Oliver, POLO South Africa’s Managing Director.