Be Wary Of Fake Kaizer Chiefs Masks

Kaizer Chiefs would like to make the public and its supporters aware that the club has at this stage not produced facemasks and all the masks that are in circulation are fake.

“We have noticed with great concern that there are many  unauthorised Kaizer Chiefs branded masks circulating in public” says Marketing Director Jessica Motaung, who is not only worried about number of counterfeit masks that are in the market, but more so at the poor quality of these masks.  “They give the wearer a false sense of security that they are protected, but in reality, they are more vulnerable and put their health at risk.”

The National Department of Health has recommended that everyone in South Africa should wear a cloth facemask (also known as a non-medical mask) when in public. Commuters traveling in taxis and other forms of public transport, as well as people spending time in spaces where physical distancing is difficult to practice, are particularly encouraged to wear cloth facemasks.

The facemask must cover the nose and mouth completely. Facemasks should not be lowered when speaking, coughing, or sneezing.

“We are aware of the demand for the branded Kaizer Chiefs masks,” adds Motaung. “The process is on to identify the appropriate mask and design. Once we have gone to production, we will alert the public. We just don’t want to rush into producing the mask that will not meet the required quality and Kaizer Chiefs standard.”

The Department of Health advises that cloth facemasks are recommended as part of respiratory hygiene or etiquette which also includes coughing and sneezing into a bent elbow or a tissue (with proper disposal of the tissue).

“These are some of the specifications that we are looking at,” concludes Motaung. “We have to produce the right product for our supporters and the public. In the process, we have been receiving samples and suggestions from various entities and entrepreneurs. All of whom are considered in the process to reach the final product.”

Kaizer Chiefs draws the public to the Department of Health further advise that the use of cloth face-masks does not reduce the need for other prevention strategies and should never be promoted separately from hand-washing (or sanitising), physical distancing and other components of cough/sneeze hygiene.

Guidelines for use are as follows:

1. Never share masks!
2. Only use a mask that has been washed and ironed.
3. Wash your hands before putting the mask on.
4. Place the mask with the correct side facing your face and ensure that it covers both your nose and mouth properly.
5. Tie the strings behind your head, or if you are using elastic bands, make sure these are tight.
6. Make sure it fits well. Move it around to get the best fit. Never touch the cloth part.
7. Once you have put on the mask, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE again until you take it off.
8. When you take it off, undo the ties, and carefully fold the mask inside out, hold it by the strings/elastic and place the mask in a container reserved for washing the cloth mask.
9. Wash your hands thoroughly and dry before doing anything else.
10. Wash cloth masks with warm soapy water and iron when dry.
11. You must have at least two cloth masks per person so you will be able to wash one and have a clean one ready for use.
12. Masks should be washed with soap and hot water, rinsed thoroughly, and ironed.