KZN Health MEC urges business community to help limit customer numbers in order to avoid return to level 5; also urges the public to be wary of "jobs for money" scan and report them

12 October 2020

KZN Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu has urged the business community - particularly those in the food and entertainment sector - to abide by Level 1 lockdown regulations in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 regulations.

Speaking on the Department's online multi-media programme *LunchtimeChat.Gov recently, MEC Simelane-Zulu warned that if measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 are not adhered to, this could trigger a return to Lockdown Level 5, dealing a further major blow to jobs and the economy.

In terms of Alert Level 1 lockdown regulations, gatherings at social events are limited to 250 people or less in case of an indoor gathering; and 500 persons or less in case of an outdoor gathering. This is, provided that no more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue is used, with people observing a distance of least one and a half metres from each other.

MEC Simelane-Zulu said: "We're pleading with owners of establishments that people go to in order to have a 'good time'... to enforce these regulations, because if we don't take them seriously, it could mean that in a few months' time, we could return to Lockdown Level 5. Then, we will not be able to go out because our infections will be growing.

"I wish to emphasise that there are a number of countries... In China, for instance, there was a time when they went for 30 days without registering a single infection. And then suddenly, they registered 2000 cases in one day. In France, they recently had the highest number of infections that they have had in a very long time...7000 infections in one day.

"So, we really do not want this second wave of COVID-19 to come back, because we don't really know how strong it is. Stopping the second wave really is in our hands. We can make a huge difference by conducting ourselves properly, in a way that prevents the spread of the virus."

The MEC also sounded alarm bells about criminals who are incessantly posting false job advertisements online, purporting to invite applications from unsuspecting job-seekers in order to solicit money.

Recently, the Department was made aware of a bogus advert inviting job applications at Madadeni Hospital. Prior to this, complaints were received about Departmental employees allegedly "selling" administrative clerk posts related to COVID-19. The MEC says both matters have been reported to the SAPS and were being investigated.

"First and foremost, we want to reiterate that there is not a single Government job that is up for sale. Posts are advertised on reliable and reputable public mediums (newspapers, official Government websites and official social media pages). People then have to apply, get shortlisted, called up for interviews, and then employed. So, we are really appealing to our compatriots... we know that jobs are scarce, and people need them, but let us not allow ourselves to fall victim to criminals."

The LunchTimeChat.Govt programme - which is fast becoming a portal for members of the media to source content from - also shone the spotlight on Eye care Awareness, in line with the October health calendar. It saw the MEC calling on the public to undergo screening for eye-related ailments at least once a year. She also emphasised that catching ailments at an early stage can lead to treatment being administered timely, which significantly improves the chances of recovery.

During the engagement, studio guest Dr Noluthando Pupuma, who is an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist) at Ngwelezane Hospital, shared tips on eye care, including:

• The importance of engaging in regular physical exercise in order to prevent risk factors for diabetes, which lead to eye-related complications;
• Following a healthy and balanced diet made up of fish, leafy greens, eggs, whole grains; kidney beans, black-eyes peas, and lentils; citrus fruit (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and berries); nuts;
• Adhering to treatment for diabetes as prescribed by healthcare professionals; and
• Seeking treatment urgently when you chances to eyesight are noticed, without waiting until complications set in.
• Other lifestyle changes that can help prevent eye-related problems include: Limiting time spent in front of the TV or computer screen; getting enough sleep; not rubbing the eyes because it can damage the cornea; wearing sunglasses; refraining from smoking; using proper lighting because dim light leads to eye fatigue, dry eyes, redness, pain, and headaches; and not sleeping with contact lenses, as it can lead to eye infection and permanent damage.

ENDS Issued on behalf of KZN Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu