SA’s hospitality industry has thrown its weight behind the national health department’s recommendation to scrap mask-wearing.

The Federated Hospitality Association of SA (Fedhasa), the umbrella body for hotels, restaurants, conference centres, caterers, self-catering accommodation and guest houses, said the move to repeal regulations to stem the spread of Covid-19 is “long overdue”.

In a letter that has been doing the rounds online, health minister Joe Phaahla recommended dropping some key measures, including wearing masks, limits on gatherings and entry requirements...