Masks were initially said to be for Covid-19 patients or their caregivers. Now the government is promoting the wearing of masks.

According to Mbalula, "there are plans to get masks out in the taxis and we're being supported in this regard, masks will be given to taxis and passengers. We want to demonstrate what we mean when we talk about compliance and no compromise."

He visited the Bree Taxi Rank in the Johannesburg CDB on Thursday.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize clarified confusion relating to the use of face masks saying although the virus is not airborne, masks are essential.

"There is no question that the use of masks is one of the best ways of preventing the spread of infection. We recommend them particularly where people have any cough or any symptoms or in a situation where social distancing is a bit difficult.

"The issue of COVID-19 being an airborne infection is something that came out in the papers but WHO disputed that. As far as we're aware, it's a droplet infection", said Mkhize.

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