Agnes Kiconco

KIU, Main Campus – The national COVID-19 task force scientists have said the public can relax some of the public health measures like wearing facial masks.

Dr. Misaki Wayengera, the head of the ministerial COVID-19 scientific committee said it is okay for people not to wear masks all the time, especially with low positivity rates.

“Wearing masks is such a difficult thing for people. It is a very unnatural thing. If God wanted us to wear masks all the time He would have created them with them but man is not cut out for them. Wearing masks is a behavioral thing and the moment cases drop, the people also relax, but the moment the cases increase, they will wear masks without being reminded.”

Dr. Monica Musenero, an epidemiologist and Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation said the COVID-19 pandemic is a prolonged disease outbreak, and management of public health measures is important.

She said people need a break from wearing masks so that mask usage does not become a nuisance to them.

Dr. Musenero added that there is need for the public to continue adhering to some public health precautions.

“In environments such as schools, it’s important to wear masks because there are many people from different communities who meet up. Since it is not possible to test all learners, it is important for learners to wear masks,” she added.

While wearing masks has been proved to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the prolonged usage of this particular type of personal protective equipment has been associated with temporary respiratory problems according to research.