- ZLHR says product should first be tested for authenticity before distribution
- Public at high risk of coronavirus due to fake masks, sanitisers
- ZADHR urges public to avoid masks
ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Monday urged government to put in place stringent measures on masks and sanitisers distribution amid the escalating COVID-19 scare.
According to ZLHR, there is a high risk of fake products entering into the market during this crisis, resulting in the exposure of many to infections.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ZLHR said imitation products were being made with the aim of making money during this COVID-19 catastrophe.
“The market is getting flooded with “new” products that are surfacing, including sanitisers, disinfectants and masks,” read the statement.
The human rights organisation also said the production of fake products exposed the public to infections.
“The risk of bogus and ineffective products on the market is very high, thereby exposing the unsuspecting public to dangers of infections,” ZLHR noted.
All supplies, accomodating to the ZLHR, should be tested by experts and only certified products allowed on the market.
Meanwhile, Norman Matara from the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) commended that the public should not wear masks if they did not show signs of the virus.
“The public should understand that at the moment, the Health ministry guidelines state that the public should not wear masks if they do not show symptoms or if they are not caring for patients with the symptoms,” he said.
Matara also said the public should not buy sanitisers and disinfectants from informal traders in order to avoid purchasing counterfeit products.
“The public should be warned to buy products from formal and recognised suppliers and outlets to avoid buying fake, ineffective and potentially dangerous products,” Matara added.
