The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah has launched a campaign to promote the wearing of nose masks among residents in the capital. The campaign dubbed #WearYourMask which was launched at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) City Hall, forms part of measures to help slow the spread of COVID19 in the city especially in public places.
Mohammed Adjei Sowah stressed that Accra is the epicenter of the pandemic in this country and city authorities must do everything possible to curb the spread of the virus, hence the time to normalize wearing nose masks every single time one leaves the house.
The face mask is a simple, cloth mask that covers the nose and mouth which can reduce air droplets and enhance protection against the virus. Citing new data on the spread of the disease in people not showing symptoms, Mayor Sowah pointed out that using simple cloth nose coverings made from local cloths could help people who have the virus and don’t know it from spreading it to others in case there is a cough or sneeze.
He explained that nobody ever imagined the latest change to our everyday life, and it’s important to acknowledge the effectiveness of wearing a mask which according to him, is dependent on our collective use. He said AMA wants to ensure that everybody who comes into the city wears a mask as the city is not in normal times.He also encouraged citizens to strictly follow the social distancing protocols among other precautionary measures even when wearing a mask in order to slow the spread of the virus.
He mentioned that the Assembly had also distributed hand washing facilities to markets and other public places in the metropolis to ensure high hygienic practices among traders and shoppers as part of measures to curb the spread of the virus.
He also appealed to citizens not to share masks, and wash them once a day with warm water and soap.
The mayor urged corporate organization and philanthropists to support the campaign by channeling resources into the production of masks and commended Trashy Bags a non-governmental organization in Accra, which turns plastic waste into reusable shopping bags, fashion accessories, school supplies, and other products for supporting the campaign.
Adjei Sowah urged citizens to diligently wash their hands, stay home and follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and protocols religiously to help slow the spread of COVID19.
Mayor Sowah also announced plans to distribute some 10,000 locally made face mask to communities in the metropolis.
