Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys believes awareness is key during this time, as South Africa enters another week of lockdown.
“Week two is a dangerous time for re-infection. Stay at home. People who don’t know they’re infected may be moving around and re-infecting everyone around them,” she said.
“These regulations are in place for everyone’s protection,” said Humphreys.
Humphreys urged Bedfordview residents to take every precaution when going out for necessities and to always sanitise.
“If you are privileged to be living in your own home, make the most of this time to do all those chores you’ve been putting off for years,” said Humphreys.
She added Bedfordview was in shock when the Minister of Defence announced the area was the epicentre of the virus.
“This has since been denied. However, it must be kept in mind these are areas where expensive testing can be afforded. Whatever the indicators were which pointed in this direction, it has to be seen through the lens of greater volumes of tests. Unfortunately, this has given rise to fake notifications flying around on social media regarding outrageous and obviously false figures of Covid-19 positives in Bedfordview,” said Humphreys.
Business
Humphreys said many businesses have been annihilated.
“As lockdown continues, more businesses are lost daily. We have to find innovative ways of helping each other, particularly those terribly disadvantaged communities living from hand to mouth.”
According to Humphreys, local supermarkets are making trolleys available for donations of food and soap to be distributed in disadvantaged areas.
“If you are able to donate an item of non-perishable food and/or soap, please do so and look out for marked trolleys to donate.”
Ward 20 ward committee has been active in developing a Bedfordview Community Safety Plan.
“It is a comprehensive and potentially powerful organisation as it consists of leading role players in multiple fields of expertise.
“The Bedfordview CPF is working closely with SAPS and metro police and is giving regular and constant updates regarding regulation of movement in the community; operating through a comprehensive WhatsApp street network. They are on standby to assist vulnerable residents needing to buy groceries or access medical attention,” said Humphreys.
Residents have been concerned about homeless people in the area.
Humphreys described Germiston, Edenvale and Bedfordview as the last of Ekurhuleni homeless to be accommodated.
“The intention is to home them in city halls. Many of them are not interested in being taken off the streets and will hide and run away when assistance is being rendered,” said Humphreys.
“If ever there was a time and a need to be strong – this is it,” said Humphreys.
Humphreys supports the BCPF’s Covid-19 social connection for the elderly and vulnerable in Bedfordview.
The BCPF has set up a structure for residents, either elderly or immuno-compromised, to be monitored for their well-being.
It requires joining a WhatsApp group relevant to your sector and checking in daily on the group.
“Should you not check in, a volunteer will first call to ascertain your well-being and, if necessary, follow up with a visit.”
If you know someone elderly or immuno-compromised who would benefit from this BCPF initiative, send their name, address and sector as a contact card to one of the following people:
• Tyrone Clark, BCPF – 060 755 4913
• Alison Grobbelaar, BCPF public relations officer – 082 565 6018
• Gavin Henry, BCPF chairperson – 083 675 3676
