Appeal to consider elderly shoppers’ needs
In support of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the Executive Mayor called on the community to prioritise the needs of the elderly.
Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) Executive Mayor, Francis Makgatho called on the retail sector to prioritise care and services for the elderly on 30 and 31 March when they receive social grant payments.
“The Speaker of Mogale City Local Municipality, councillor Noluthando Mangole convened a meeting with retail outlets and supermarkets across Mogale City with the Executive Mayor to discuss their plans to manage numbers and prioritise assisting the elderly with ease during the 21-day Covid-19 lockdown,” mayoral spokesperson, Lucky Sele noted.
“Shopping centres and retail outlets categorised as providers of essential services during the lockdown have been advised to put measures in place for the expected high numbers of shoppers and the elderly on SASSA payment days. These stores are requested to prioritise the aged, guarantee their safety while minimising risk of contracting the coronavirus as large numbers are serviced on payment days and after.”
The MCLM has requested that centres and outlets effectively screen the elderly at entrances; ensure that shoppers remain at least 1,5 metres apart while queuing; and to provide assistance for the elderly to access essential products easily to speed up their purchases and lower the level of risk they might be exposed to.
“In support of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the Executive Mayor calls on our communities to prioritise the needs of the elderly, while allowing them adequate time and a safe environment to do their shopping as of from today, 30 March,” a communique from Sele noted, on behalf of the mayor.
“During this trying time of curbing the spread of this deadly virus, we have to do everything for our elderly and most vulnerable who are more severely affected when contracting the virus. Let us all play our part in protecting them.”
