CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town has ramped up its education and awareness initiatives in a bid to reduce the number of persons affected by Covid-19.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) have distributed thousands of pamphlets and posters at shopping malls, supermarkets, food stores, spaza shops and informal food traders to raise awareness about Covid-19.
They have also engaged communities about the importance of proper hand washing, social distancing, cough etiquette, cleaning, sanitising and continual disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.
"Our Environmental Health Practitioners are visiting communities daily to conduct outreach sessions and to engage residents about their role in limiting the spread of the virus. The sharing of information is critical to flattening the curve and we are focusing on the importance of proper handwashing, wearing a cloth mask at all times when outside, what symptoms to look out for and where to seek help if need be," said Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
In addition, Environmental Health Practitioners are also:
Collaborating with the Western Cape Health Department in the active tracing of close contacts of infected persons in order to identify the source of their infection and prevent further spread of the disease.
Addressing the importance of self-isolation, self-quarantine and waste management, as practices used to curb the further spread of the disease.
Engaging with funeral undertakers and healthcare facilities to ensure compliance in the handling of COVID-19 remains, as stipulated in national regulations.
Monitoring all food premises, facilities like old age homes, transport interchanges and shelters to ensure that these premises are complying with applicable legislative standards and that adequate arrangements are in place to prevent the spread of the disease.
CORONAVIRUS MONITOR