Sandton Central shares 7 health-minded practices for public spaces
SANDTON – Sandton Central would like to encourage the community to keep doing the right thing and continue good health-minded practices.
The once vibrant public spaces of Sandton Central remain eerily quiet as we move into week 10 of the national lockdown.
According to Sandton Central Management District improvement manager Elaine Jack, the normal definition of a leading public space as we know it has changed.
“One reason is that the public spaces like Sandton Central are usually lively, social and all about connecting. For now, the way we need to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic goes against the very essence of community and, in particular, vibrant city life,” said Sandton Central Management District improvement manager Elaine Jack.
While there is great awareness around how to be safe in order to limit the spread of the virus, Jack noted that actually doing what is needed can be ‘tricky’.
To help the community better understand what they can do, Jack has identified seven actions that residents can take to support the health of one another and the community at large.
- Follow the regulations and recommendations
It remains imperative that we sustain our efforts to contribute to the wider Covid-19 response.
“As our lockdown levels loosen, we all need to tighten up on mask-wearing, physical distancing, and hand hygiene. For business and public spaces, this includes the thoroughness of cleaning routines and best practices for keeping staff members healthy and sanitising,” said Jack.
She added that Sandton Central’s Men in Red are trained and well informed on how to prevent the spread of the virus as we transition into the different lockdown alert levels.
- Take care of one another
As more people venture back out into the world, it is important more now than ever to take care of one another.
“Please remember that the person you pass in the street may be caring for a vulnerable family member, or even be vulnerable themselves but unable to self-isolate because they need to feed their families,” she added.
Residents are encouraged to stay home if they present any symptoms of sickness, practise hand hygiene, wear a mask, don’t spit in public and keep a safe social distance.
- Flatten the peaks
While morning and evening rush hours traditionally see more people in Sandton’s public space, individuals are encouraged to avoid non-essential public transportation during this time.
While residents should consider using other modes of transportation, such as cycling for example, businesses are also encouraged to stagger office hours and start and knock-off times.
“As Covid-19 spreads across the world, governments are touting social distancing as one of the most important responses to limit contagion. As more people return to the public spaces of Sandton Central, we’ve placed heartfelt reminders to stay a safe distance apart at key locations across the precinct,” said Jack.
- Reach out to the vulnerable communities
Vulnerable households are at higher risk of contracting the virus, especially when they are living in close quarters or have no shelter at all, and the lockdown has increased the number of economically vulnerable people in our community.
The Sandton Central community has actively supported the Rays of Hope #Hope4Alex initiative which provides food hampers to vulnerable homes.
“Since the start of the Covid-19 crisis, our neighbour, Alexandra, has been massively impacted, and the need in this community remains great. Every donation makes a difference. If you can support them, please visit www.raysofhope.co.za/hope4alex to find out how to do so,” added Jack.
- Support local businesses
“Many small businesses are grappling with the challenges of this environment. If you can, please show your support to help them through this difficult time.”
Sandton Central has created a Covid-19 resource page which can link you with local businesses providing Covid-19 essential resources, such as PPE, as well as local testing, transport and other services.
- Be kind
“The spread of the pandemic has heaped on the daily stress of many, so respecting others’ safe space and showing you care with a friendly wave can go a long way,” added Jack.
- Hang in there
As we each face our own set of challenges, Sandton Central would like to encourage the community to keep doing the right thing.
“We are in this together and are all motivated to support one another and our community as best we can and continue good health-minded practices. Sandton Central can’t wait to have everyone back when the time is right,” Jack concluded.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/276231/sandton-central-remains-dedicated/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/253264/sandton-ctenral-raises-awareness/
