Media releases

South Deep calls on employees and communities to wear masks in the fight against COVID-19

Details: Published: Monday, 03 August 2020 15:11

Wearing a mask protects you and others

Westonaria, 3 August 2020: Gold Fields South Deep Mine calls on all employees and communities to wear masks when they are in public in the fight against COVID-19.

Says Dr Setati, Occupational Medical Practitioner at Gold Fields’ South Deep Mine: “The wearing of masks is critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Clinical studies show that masks reduce the spray of respiratory droplets when worn over the nose and mouth by forming a simple barrier which helps to prevent these droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes or talks.”

As South Africa approaches its COVID-19 peak, it is important that all individuals remain vigilant and continue to maintain COVID-19 preventative measures such as wearing masks and social distancing when in public to help minimise the impact on the health of our people and our healthcare systems.

“We are observing that a significant proportion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms. Despite not showing any symptoms, these individuals can still transmit the virus to others. That is why it is so important that everyone, not just those who have tested positive or display symptoms, wears a mask when they leave their homes.”

Dr Setati also notes that when wearing a mask, it is important to always:

Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the face mask
Be mindful not to touch the inside with your hands
Make sure that the mask does not have any holes or tears
Cover your nose and mouth completely
Keep it on if you cough or sneeze
Wash fabric facemasks after every use with warm soapy water and iron when dry

South Deep continues to provide support and resources to communities through partnerships with local communities and non-governmental organisations. One of these initiatives includes the provision of masks to community members.

“As South Deep, we are doing our best to lead by example. We ask each and every employee and community member to always be mindful that when we wear a mask, we protect others from ourselves. And, when others wear a mask, they protect us from them. It is the right thing to do,” concludes Dr Setati.

Enquiries

Memory Johnstone
Mobile: +27 82 719 3081
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Taryn van Olden
Mobile: +27 79 527 6882
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Sven Lunsche
Tel: +27 11 562 9763
Mobile: +27 83 260 9279
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Notes to editors

About Gold Fields

Gold Fields is a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines in Australia, Peru, South Africa and West Africa (including the Asanko JV), as well as one project in Chile. We have total attributable annual gold-equivalent production of 2.2Moz, attributable gold-equivalent Mineral Reserves of 51.3Moz and Mineral Resources of 115.7Moz. Our shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and our American depositary shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Sponsor: J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Ltd