DEPUTY minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize, has called on managers at the South African Post Office (Sapo) to ensure that Covid-19 protocols are adhered to.
This call comes after the deputy minister observed images circulating on social media of queues at post offices in which there is no social distancing, lack of personal protection equipment (PPE), and irresponsible behaviour such as close interactions and the sharing of food.
Mkhize has expressed concerned that among these images circulating are those of disabled children who are being put at risk due to lack of social distancing, as well face masks not being worn.
Read also: Concerns grow as Sassa beneficiaries queue amidst second wave
“Many of these children with disabilities have underlying conditions and compromised immune systems, and as such, find themselves at increased risk of contracting Covid-19, and suffering from health complications as a result, that can even lead to loss of life,” the deputy minister said.
With no social distancing in the queues of people linked to grant collection, the level of exposure and infection rates can spike.
The department has encouraged responsible departments to ensure that Covid-19 protocols are adhered to, as queues with no social distancing can be considered a ‘super-spreader’ event and can place an even bigger strain on the health system.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.
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