Councillor urges residents to comply with rules amidst corona crisis

“LOCKING down our country and deploying the SANDF is something no South African would ever want to see in peacetime, but given the severity of our challenge it is absolutely the right thing to do.”

This is according to Bluff councillor JP Prinsloo who shared that the threat of this virus is akin to a wartime situation, and requires everyone to make sacrifices concerning their daily lives and to some of the liberties of our democratic society. “It is important to bear in mind that this lockdown has been scheduled for a period of 21 days. While this could possibly be extended should the circumstances call for it, it is not an indefinite situation. Three weeks of drastic measures now can save us many lives and buy us critical time for our healthcare professionals to deal with the unfolding crisis. If we don’t make this sacrifice now, we will pay a far greater price in the long run,” he said.

READ: #COVID-19: SDCEA public notice

“It is important right now that every South African and Bluff resident recognises the gravity of the situation. This is not something that happens far away and to other people. It is not something that might happen to us somewhere down the line. It is here already, and the full impact will hit us very soon. Already the most recent number of confirmed Covid-19 cases – 927, as announced by the Minister of Health – shows that our country has not been spared, and that our rate of infection looks to mirror that of countries currently battling hard to treat their citizens and prevent loss of life.”

According to Prinsloo the Bluff community has thus far been shielded from the virus, but this could change at any moment. He added that the city has put in strict measures to avoid people from gathering in public spaces and prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“Beaches, pools, libraries, sports clubs, customer service centres and other municipal services have been suspend until after the 21- day lockdown. SAPS and the SANDF will be enforcing each of the restrictions put in place by all spheres of government. We have created a ward based Covid-19 war room consisting of all vital governmental and community stakeholders to monitor, enforce and prevent any spread of the virus. The war room consists of SAPS, Metro Police, Bluff Clinic and Clinic Committee, CPF, Ward Sports Committee, DSW, Parks Department, Environmental Health Department, the Ward 66 War Room and the chair of Vulnerable Groups Committee,” said Prinsloo.

READ: Residents still benefit from centre’s feeding amid coronavirus concerns

The Bluff Clinic, its staff and the clinic committee have been preparing the clinic to effectively tackle any Covid-19 cases over the past two weeks. The clinic will keep operating within normal operating hours to ensure that the Bluff community is kept healthy. Vital municipal services like refuse collection, water and sanitation and electricity provision will be provided to all residents throughout the entire lockdown. Residents are urged to keep reporting any refuse, water, sanitation and electricity issues that may occur during this period.

“This is the biggest threat our country has faced in its 26 years of democracy. It will test our healthcare system and it will test our ability to withstand an economic onslaught like nothing before. But above all, it will test the resolve of our people, and this is where we can take great strength. We have been through tough times before, and we have overcome our obstacles. We can do it again, as long as we are in the fight together.

“I also urge all Bluff businesses to take advantage of the proposals put forward for an Economic Recovery Package by government to deal with the devastating effect of this virus on households, businesses and jobs. These measures could rebuild our economy and shield employers and employees from the worst damage if taken advantage of. Information on how to access this economic support is available on the Trade and Industry website.

“And finally, to the people of the Bluff, I ask that you focus on what needs to be done and comply with everything that is required of you. Our efforts to beat this virus are only as strong as the weakest link in the chain. Everyone has to be 100 per cent on board and committed. Every measure is essential. Stay at home, avoid gatherings, maintain your hygiene and cooperate with law enforcement and the SANDF. These will be trying times, but we must show restraint and peaceful cooperation in everything we do. That is the only way we will win. The next three weeks of lockdown, and the months that follow this period, will be our greatest test as a nation and community. We can get through this if we stand united against our common enemy,” concluded Prinsloo.

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