Alta de Beer, Ward 39 councillor, writes:
My plea to our residents is to adhere to the restrictions that will be put in place during the 21-day lockdown.
If you do have to go out to the shops or to find medical care please keep your distance, and if you are not feeling well please seek help while taking all precautions.
Please do not panic during the 21-day lockdown, this has been implemented to assist with the containment of Covid-19.
Although the lockdown will have a major effect on the economy and people’s lives, the results if these measures are not in place will be disastrous and hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of getting sick, and the impact on our society, our health system and economy would be more damaging.
Once again, if you or your family show any of the Covid-19 symptoms please seek medical assistance immediately.
The following two clinics in our ward are ready to do the necessary testing:
• Elsburg Clinic
• Germiston Clinic.
This is the time for our communities to stand together and assist each other.
We need to remain positive otherwise we could all fall into a state of depression.
I suggest that residents prepare a little schedule for every day, instead of just watching the updates on the status of the Covid-19 pandemic on TV and social media platforms.
Here are my ideas to keep busy and positive whilst under lockdown:
• Dust off your old radio and listen to music or tune into a radio station that does story readings. Alternately download a podcast with stories or interesting articles.
• Dust off your knitting needles and knit a blanket or scarf for people in need.
• Find old board games in the cupboard and get the family to play games together.
• Get those recipe books out and try a new dish every day, get the family involved in the cooking process.
• Bake with your children.
• Get out into the garden and do some work with the family, even prepare a vegetable and herb garden.
• Play with your pets.
• Start painting or do crafts with the family.
• Arrange a time with the family to watch a movie together with popcorn.
• Start a family reading hour.
Share your photos on Instagram by using the hashtag #altxinafrica.
A big thank you goes out to community members who have stepped up to assist the elderly and vulnerable within our community with shopping and the delivery of shopping in this time of self-isolation.
I have an agreement with our local CPFs and LamDel Residents Association’s (RA) that they will assist our elderly or vulnerable residents during the lockdown.
Their contact details are as follows:
• LamDel RA: 071 230 8029
• Lambton Klip Sector Four CPF: 072 193 8496
• Elsburg CPF: 072 766 1613
• Din-Al-View CPF: 063 218 5815
• Delville CPF: 074 833 7082.
The above numbers are available for 24- hour assistance.
I will also be available to assist wherever possible, I can be reached on my cellphone 082 777 1406.
Please adhere to the SAPS, SANDF and EMPD commands when in public.
Please respect them as they are putting their lives at risk.
To all the medical and health care staff and professionals, we salute you for your efforts in this critical time, many of you have been isolated from your families to keep them safe from the virus.
Please keep safe, wash your hands on a regular basis, and remember to keep smiling and enjoy this time with the family.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
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