Metropolitan has donated masks to the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works in an effort to assist in curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Ngwako Marakalala, Metropolitan’s regional manager for the Northern Cape, says while Covid-19 infections in the Northern Cape are still relatively low in comparison to other regions across the country, cases are anticipated to steadily climb as South Africa moves towards its anticipated peak.
“We’ve had a positive relationship with the Department of Public Works since 2018, and we have recognised that due to the public nature of the service they provide, their staff members are at increased risk of contracting and transmitting the virus.
“This would, in turn, put members of the public at greater risk, potentially broadening the scope of the spread within the region.”
As Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), masks are thought to help manage the spread of Covid-19 when combined with other preventative measures such as hand-washing and social distancing. “Thus we have focused our efforts on the production and distribution of high-quality, four-layer cloth masks, and have supplied the required number to the Department in the hope that it will better enable employees to confidently – and safely – carry out their important service to the public.
“A time of crisis calls for increased collaboration and support, and by forming strategic partnerships, we can improve access to resources,” says Marakalala.
