City Speaker wants to see more efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19

Covid-19-positive City of Joburg councillors have called for community action to intensify its efforts towards managing the outbreak of the virus.

A statement released by the City said, “As of the 17 July 20 the Johannesburg region had the highest prevalence of the virus in the province. Statistics have shown that one in five people who have Covid-19 in Johannesburg are from Soweto.”City of Johannesburg Council speaker Nonceba Molwele said that by going public with their Covid-19 status, the councillors hope their condition will help reinforce the message that the threat is real and that no one is immune. Molwele said, “I received a request from councillors who wished to go public in the hope that their action will contribute to efforts aimed at mobilising community action. The councillors have been recovering and following professional advice.”

Molwele added that since there is no vaccine or cure for Covid-19, the most effective way to address it was by adhering to the basics. This includes the easy tasks of wearing a facemask in public, washing hands for at least 20 seconds and keeping a physical distance. “We should not discriminate against those who have been infected or anyone perceived to have been in contact with the virus. Blaming and shaming certain groups of people for a pandemic pose a threat to everyone.” She added that such stigma can prompt possible social isolation of groups, which might contribute to a situation where the virus is more, not less, likely to spread.

Molwele also said the City’s councillors have expressed their commitment to using their experiences to provide advice and assistance to any community member who may be facing challenges related to Covid-19. “The more people speak out the easier it would become for the community to come together in strengthening the efforts of managing the spread of this virus.”