In light of the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, uThukela District Municipality is now implementing control and mitigation measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of the virus in the district.
The plan focuses on control measures that will empower the staff of the municipality and the community at large with appropriate knowledge and skills to protect themselves and also prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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Awareness campaigns are conducted at all government departments, local municipalities, private companies, ward committees, supermarkets, butcheries, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation establishments, including beauty salons, taxi ranks, informal food traders, funeral parlours, religious institutions, traditional leaders, traditional healers and the whole community of the uThukela District. Posters and pamphlets are also distributed during the awareness campaigns.
The key messages being disseminated answer the following questions:
What is Covid-19?
It is an infectious disease. This new virus and disease was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
How does Covid-19 spread?
Coronavirus spreads mainly through person-to-person contact within a two-metre radius. People with Covid-19 spread viral particles through coughing and sneezing. It might also be possible to catch it by touching a surface on which the virus has recently landed.
What are the symptoms of Covid-19
Some of the symptoms are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and diarrhoea.
How can I prevent being infected with Covid-19?
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water to prevent contracting Covid-19.
Make sure your homes and workplaces are clean and hygienic.
Surfaces and objects need to be wiped with disinfectant regularly. Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers.
“We appeal to the community to take heed and implement advice and messages disseminated by trained municipal staff in conjunction with the Department of Health in order to contain this pandemic,” says uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko.
For more information on Covid-19, please call 0800029999 or alternatively use the 0600123456 WhatsApp number. Send ‘Hi’ and the information will be sent immediately to your screen.
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