Barbadians are throwing their full support behind Government’s decision to make wearing a mask in public buildings mandatory.
Following Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s announcement on Friday that provisions are being put in place to ensure that Barbadians comply with Government’s COVID-19 mask-wearing protocol to assist with containing the spread of the deadly virus on the island, Barbados TODAY took to the streets this morning where members praised health authorities for making the move.
Elderly market vendor Rudy Edwards said she never leaves home without her masks and indicated that she believes others should do the same in the best interest of the country, which has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases over the past week.
“I do wear mine when I coming out but when I home I don’t wear it. Some people walking about still in the place without a mask on them face,” Edwards said.
Marlene Best said that even though wearing a mask can be uncomfortable at times, she can be always seen in one while in public spaces. Best said she intends to follow all the rules and protocols issued by health authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“If she makes it mandatory it is alright with me, I have no problem with it. Wear the mask to protect yourself and to protect others. Those that ain’t wearing them need to wear them because you are protecting me and also protecting yourself. And you should keep the distance as well.
“Sometimes you see people coming through here without a mask on, and you shouldn’t be wearing them under your chin unless you eating or drinking. The mask should be on your nose,” Best said.
Erwyn Maynard declared that the Mia Mottley led Administration is making the right move in asking Barbadians to wear their mask at all times once they are in public.
Maynard said while he knows some people, particularly those with respiratory problems find it difficult to wear masks for extended periods, it becomes normal to him in light of the fact that he is always wearing a mask when on the job at his body workshop.
Angela Greene said the introduction of making mask-wearing mandatory is just another example of “the good job my Prime Minister is doing”. Greene said in her opinion, whatever Mottley does is well done.
“Mia keep it up, she is doing a good job. She got everything under control. Whatever she says goes. People have to wear masks because you don’t know who is who. To protect yourself and to protect yourself wear your mask. But Bajans are adhering to the rules,” Greene said.
Evadne Thorne sought to explain that she was fully equipped with the knowledge that in order to prevent the spread of the virus, persons must safeguard themselves.
Thorne said: “So when people speak they have droplets and all kinds of things coming out and because it is spread that way, you do not want that to happen. So no, I don’t have a problem wearing masks in public spaces because it is very important to keep everyone safe”.
Ackeem Prince also agreed that wearing a mask in a precautionary measure for people to protect themselves and others from the deadly virus. Prince said he was also of the opinion that too many clusters should not be taking place at this time and also indicated that practicing social distancing is also an important aspect of fighting the virus which should not be ignored.
“We should all try to protect ourselves,” Prince said. (AH)
