​“Mask wearing is not just about protecting yourself. It is also about protecting others, about being a responsible citizen and about looking out for those most at risk of serious consequences from COVID-19," said Prof Stan du Plessis, Institutional Committee for Business Continuity Chair at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Du Plessis explained that it has come to the University's attention that there are some students and staff who are not wearing their masks in public spaces on campus. “This is worrying, not only because of the fact that it is compulsory to wear a mask in public, but also because not doing so puts other, vulnerable lives at risk."

In response, the university has launched a campus-wide campaign to remind students why they should be wearing their masks. Various posters, banners, stickers and other communication have been put up on campus, reading everything from “Wearing is caring. Mask up!" to “Do it for your Gogo. Do it for your Auntie. Do it for your Oupa. Do it for your Ma. Do it for your Chommie. Do it for your Mommy. Do it for your Bru. Mask up!".

This follows recent government regulations that made mask wearing in public compulsory.

“Our purpose with this campaign is to convey the proven importance of mask wearing in the fight against this pandemic, and encourage our staff and students to 'Mask up'," said Du Plessis.

Need more motivation to wear a mask? Watch this video to see a demonstration of how face coverings and masks minimise the spread of coronavirus.

Protect yourself and others from the spread COVID-19

(Source: World Health Organisation)
Of course, a mask on its own is not enough to prevent the spread of the virus. Further reduce your chances by taking these precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands.
• Avoid crowded places.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene.
• Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover.