UTHUKELA DISTRICT DEVISES MEASURES TO CONTAIN COVID-19

In light of the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Uthukela District Municipality is now implementing control and mitigation measures to prevent the occurrence and the spread of the virus in the district. The plan focuses on the control measures that will empower the staff of the municipality and the community at large with appropriate knowledge and skills that will assist them to protect themselves and also prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

Awareness campaigns are conducted at all government departments, local municipalities, private companies, ward committee members, supermarkets, butcheries, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation establishments including beauty salons, taxi ranks, informal food traders, funeral parlors, religious institutions, traditional leaders, traditional healers and the whole community of Uthukela District. Posters and pamphlets are also distributed during the awareness campaigns.

The key messages being disseminated answer the questions as follows;

1. What is COVID-19?

• COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the recently discovered COVID-19. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

2. How does COVID-19 spread?

• Corona virus spread mainly through person-to-person contact within two meter radius. People with COVID-19 spread viral particles through coughing and sneezing. It might also be possible to catch it by touching a surface where the virus has recently landed.

3. What are the symptoms of COVID 19?

• Some symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and diarrhea.

4. How can I prevent being infected with COVID-19?

• To prevent the spread of COVID-19, stay at home if you feel unwell. 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.
• To prevent the spread of COVID-19, make sure your homes and workplaces are clean and hygienic. Surfaces and objects needs to be wiped with disinfectant regularly.
• Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers.

On Thursday 19 March 2020, the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize announced that the number of confirmed cases in South Africa has increased to 150. No cases have been reported within Uthukela District so far. We appeal to the community to take heed and implement advises and messages disseminated by the trained municipal staff in conjunction with the Department of Health in order to contain this pandemic, said District Mayor Cllr AS Mazibuko.

For more information on COVID-19, please call 0800029999 or alternatively use the WhatsApp number 0600123456. Send Hi and the information will be sent immediately to your screen. Working together we shall defeat COVID-19.