Child Welfare South Africa: Port Shepstone has called upon the South Coast community to respond in a way that protects its children as best it can, while heeding the call of the nation’s president to stay home.
Chairman Dinesh Pillay said that since the emergence of the coronavirus on our shores, much has happened that has affected the world as we know it.
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“The calls for social distancing, isolation and now total lockdown has had an impact far greater than we may realise. And the impact will be felt far greater in the future,” he said.
The Covid-19 pandemic presents the country with a medical emergency that coincides with social and emotional challenges which impacts on the people of our country and the world.
However, he said it is not only a health issue, but a societal issue that reaches the very core of human well-being.
“While many see this as a time to draw closer to family and loved ones, the vulnerable in our community face this time with dread,” he explained.
“As we enter the second week of lockdown, the board of Child Welfare South Africa: Port Shepstone and I as the chairman, are confident that we have done all that is required to fulfil the guidelines and requirements needed to ensure the well-being and safety of those in need of care in our communities,” he added.
“It is a time in history that when we look back and reflect upon the actions of our President, our government, our people and we will be able to say in one united voice that we have stood together as a nation that is bound together by a fabric called humanity and we have succeeded,” said Mr Pillay.
“We will overcome this challenge and aspire to great heights as a nation that worked together for the betterment of the future of our country, South Africa.”
MEASURES
The following measures have been put into place to address the needs of the community in terms of our mandate as Child Welfare South Africa: Port Shepstone:
* In keeping with the President’s call, we have been on lockdown with effect from March 26.
* The offices emergency contact numbers have been made available to the local newspapers and electronic media in order to make official announcements on contingency measures.
* Emergency placement of a child, will be done either with a family or at a place of safety.
* On the matter of poverty alleviation we have partnered with Ignite (NPO) and Rotary Shelly Beach (NPO) to identify needy children and families within the community and provide the necessary assistance.
GUIDANCE
This is the guidance we wish to offer our community:
* If you feel sick and have an influenza-like illness stay at home (it may not be Covid-19. Check first with your medical practitioner). First take care of yourself. Do not go to work as you may pose a risk to your own health and the health of colleagues and clients.
* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. This also applies if you wear gloves.
* If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or tissue. Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
* Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water (for 20 minutes) or use hand sanitizer.
* Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, i.e., telephones, computer equipment, etc.
* Do not use other workers’ phones, desks, office, or other work tools and equipment; if necessary, consider cleaning them first with a disinfectant. Also clean your own devices regularly.
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