“The Newcastle Municipality will immediately halt the usage of breathalysers following the outbreak of COVID-19.
As the Newcastle Municipality, we welcome the president’s clarion call to take drastic measures to manage the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and we commit to working with other stakeholders in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
As Mayor, and the collective leadership of our municipality, we vow to put in place strident measures that will protect our residents and reduce any form of impact of the virus within our municipality from spreading. As a people orientated municipality, which at all times puts the people’s interests first, we’ve begun the processes of educating our residents about the virus.
Flyers and posters have been made available to our residents at the municipal building, this in a bid to equip our people with the required knowledge to manage the disease. The municipal communication team has also been tasked to communicate with the residents of any developments pertaining the COVID-19.
ALSO READ: #Coronavirus: Mediclinic Newcastle is prepared for COVID-19
We’ve also taken a posture to abandon the usage of breathalysers on our roads until the virus has been eradicated.
I’ve been made aware of the urgent need to educate our residents about the stigma and stereotype attached to those who have contracted the virus. The outbreak has provoked social discriminatory behaviours against people of certain ethnic backgrounds as well as anyone perceived to have been in contact with the virus.
As a municipality, we condemn anyone who discriminate victims of this virus and we call upon our residents to practice empathy during this difficult period. Let us unite once more, work together to triumph over this new deadly disease.
I also welcome the implementation of tighter additional measures as part of government’s Integrated National Response Plan. I urge residents to practice cleanliness, particularly the constant washing of hands with soap.
We will also adhere to the president’s call to halt gatherings of more than hundred people and will also closely monitor other events championed by the municipality. We are also exploring the possibility of postponing a number of key upcoming events which needed the community’s participation.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine explained
I urge residents to seek medical care immediately after developing symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. If you think you might have contracted the virus, you can call the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) helpline – 080 002 9999 – and you will be advised on possible testing facilities.
The municipality will communicate all changes of planned programs with residents on all our communication platforms. We encourage residents to make use of the municipal Facebook page, as most developments will be communicated there.
This is our fight, all of us, and as a medical doctor I’m available for the task at hand. I’m forever willing to serve my community to the best of my ability.”
Newcastle Mayor, Cllr Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
Make sure you follow us for constant updates:
