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Merebank Clinic patients get coronavirus sensitised

Chairman of the clinic committee, Rishi Sewsunker, said that self-quarantine was crucial at these trying times.

IN THESE uncertain times, the only thing certain is that information is the best currency.

Armed with spreading knowledge and reducing public panic, members of the Merebank Clinic committee and community activist, Yusuf Vadwa, tasked themselves with handing out pamphlets and answering questions where necessary at the clinic on Thursday, 26 March.

As the count down to lockdown drew near, these residents took up the duty to inform as many people as possible while emphasising the need to stay indoors as per the government’s request.

Chairman of the clinic committee, Rishi Sewsunker, said that self-quarantine was crucial at these trying times and that all declarations by the government should be adhered to and respected.

“The government is not foolish, they are telling us exactly the precautions we should take and adhere to. If you keep in physical contact with neighbours and friends, you are bound to get it because there is no telling who has the virus. As for today and the next 21 days, please keep quarantine at home, especially if you are not going to work, which is so important. We have to respect the law,” he said.

The pamphlets handed out on the day contained precautionary infographics about four measures to follow in the avoidance of infection. These included how and when to wash hands, what good personal hygiene is and the prohibition of sharing food and utensils.

Vawda said that following proper procedure and protocol were some of the safety measures implemented at the clinic. “We limited access to the clinic to five patients at a time. We also gave the patients a briefing on the outside information regarding the president’s address in regard to gatherings and the effects of the coronavirus before opening the facility to them. We also advised residents not to attend the clinic for unnecessary reasons putting others and their lives at risk,” he said.

Members of the clinic committee assisted the staff to ensure that the distance between patients was maintained at all times. Pregnant women, as well as those with advanced medical conditions, were given preferential treatment.
“Being an under-resourced facility, we are trying our best to ensure the best medical treatment and assistance be given to our patients at all times. We make a humble appeal to residents, especially senior citizens, to please monitor their blood pressure from home if they have the necessary equipment, those who are not critical should quarantine themselves to avoid being exposed to this virus,” Vawda said.

 

Community activist, Yusuf Vawda explains in the infographic pamphlet to Raquel Beck while she waits her turn to access the clinic.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as fake news) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green irma@caxton.co.za or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff helene@caxton.co.za.

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