Sile2okhule position and views on Corona Virus Diseases (COVID-19)

The organization has not yet experienced any cases of Corona Virus Diseases (COVID-19) among our volunteers and staff but it acknowledges the outbreak of the COVID-19. We have been monitoring local and international cases and the spread of COVID-19 has been uncontrollable globally and locally. However, further precautionary measures have to be taken to protect the community from further spread of the virus. The health, well-being and safety of our members and community is very important and we are planning on taking serious actions to help in containing the virus.

At 20:00hrs on 15^th of March 2020 the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that the groups of 100 people have been prohibited. Our organization assists over 200 people a day hence which exceeds the prohibited number of people. However, our organization continued to serve since many people and organizations who also feed homeless got affected by the new regulation our numbers doubled. Although were struggling with safety kit we managed to make our on hand sanitizers and face masks. On Monday 23 March 25, 2020, the President announced a national lockdown beginning on Thursday 26 March 25, 2020, from 00:00 for 21 days. This morning confirmed cases of COVID-19 are now 702 which still shows an increase and the need to curb the spread before it becomes uncontrollable.

A summary of the President's Address Notes

Implemented a National Lockdown as an effective way to help infection is to change basic behaviours. People are advised to stay at home, cancel all gatherings and avoid other people to help curb the spread of the virus. To take immediate swift and extraordinary action is required. The fundamental task is to curb the spread so that the health services cannot be strained. The next few days are crucial. Resident arriving from high-risk countries will face quarantine of 14 days, international flights from high risk countries are  suspended and international travelers will be turned away.

Categories exempted:

1.    Health workers

2.    Emergency personnel

3.    Security services

4.    Production and distribution

5.    Essential banking services

6.    Laboratory services

7.    Hygiene services

8.    People will not be allowed to move unless buying food and medical supplies.

9.    JSE not affected. Trading continues.

10. Malls and clothing stores to be closed and many more

Given the uncertainties surrounding the spread of COVID-19, we are not aware of the future. Furthermore, our organization lacks adequate healthy kits to assist those who have been affected. However, the board has decided to continue having the organization open since our services are basic to the eThekwini community. In these trying times where people are exercising social distance, many people in the streets will go hungry. Further notices and updates will be communicated immediately.

Cautionary measures will be put in place to try and follow the regulations and at the same time serving the community. They will be sanitizers and tissues distributed to the community. Furthermore, during the feeding period, people will wash their hands with soap, stand apart and fed in groups of about 50 at different intervals. The organization will also take time to educate and spread awareness about COVID-19. Help will be appreciated to keep the eThekwini community safe, healthy and well in these trying times.

Protect yourself and others

Prevention is key to containing this once in a century pandemic and it is important to take care of your health and protect yourself and others from contracting or spreading viruses and illnesses.

• Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO Website and the NICD South Africa website and follow these measures to protect yourself and others:
•   Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly (at least 20 seconds of scrubbing) with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• ·         Practice social distancing by maintaining at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• ·         Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• ·         Practice respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• ·         If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and avoid contact with others. Please self-quarantine and contact emergency services.

Written by Tanaka D Dhumbura