Social media reacts to government ditching COVID-19 rules on mask
South Africans have expressed mixed feelings after the wearing of masks law was dropped.
It's official! After two years of hidden faces and muffled conversations, people in South Africa are no longer required to wear mask.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla has ended the mandatory use of masks indoors, as well as removed restrictions on gatherings. The decision comes after he scrapped the wearing of masks outdoors.
The minister also lifted the ban on the limitations on the number of people allowed at public gatherings. There were also some changes made to travel regulations. Travellers entering South African borders will no longer be required to produce vaccination certificates or show a negative COVID-19 test. The latest announcement was made on Wednesday.
READ: Breaking: The mask mandate and more Covid-19 restrictions dropped!
South Africa is joining the below countries who have also scrapped the wearing of masks.
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Lithuania
Netherlands (except airports)
Norway
Poland
Romania
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
As a result of the announcements, scores of South Africans took to social media to share how they feel.
Although many were celebrating the end of the COVID-19 regulations, other people insisted that they will continue to wear masks.
Some social media users also expressed concern for street vendors and businesses who survived on selling masks.
Let's look at the social media reaction below:
I don't know about you, but I'm still wearing my mask. #Masks
— Clinton Dean 🇿🇦✈ (@clintondean007) June 23, 2022
It's okay to celebrate the ban of face #Masks 💃🕺
— Efkay Lele Legodi |Official ➐ (@lele_efkay) June 23, 2022
Yet I feel sorry for our brothers and sisters who made a living from selling us masks... These people helped a lot of us. We forgot our masks on our way to work, only for them to be all over the streets selling
.
Siyabonga! 💯🤘🏾 pic.twitter.com/oNTHKYKSJ9
Masks have been a cover for not brushing teeth for many comrades. That cover is gone now #Masks pic.twitter.com/fv0h6aES1z
— JB (@PreWriting_) June 23, 2022
When I think of all the money I lost buying masks day in & day out. Over a virus that has a 99.99% survival rate😑 I feel so betrayed by the government and all political leaders 😔😢Nevertheless None Vaccinated people survived & don't have to worry about any side effects #Masks pic.twitter.com/40WlEdv7qd
— King Raphy🇿🇦 (@KingRaphy1) June 23, 2022
Nna today as I enter the office and many other indoor places without wearing #Masks pic.twitter.com/Uy9RcWW5DV
— KG (@KhatlhisoM) June 23, 2022
Finally no mask look how beautiful we are without mask #masks pic.twitter.com/MRAdSwqp7R
— Douglas 'TlouKeTlou' (@TlouKeTlou11) June 23, 2022
#Masks am addicted n how can't i be? after a whole 2 years mina am still going to rock it pic.twitter.com/SXwUZtob0t
— Bongikosi Mzimba 🇿🇦 (@OL3Rough) June 23, 2022
Masks are a good way to avoid greeting and small talks at supermarkets and malls.I will continue wearing them. They did not say they are illegal #Masks pic.twitter.com/UwlFqzXJN9
— Mr Tee (@miste_Tee) June 23, 2022
Image courtesy of iStock/ @triocean