17 MARCH 2020
CORONOVIRUS

These are extraordinary and unusual times. As South Africa pulls together to try and prevent the global spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus, we at BRAAM also need to play our part.

We need to become hygiene obsessed and take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and one another seriously.

During this time of heightened sensitivity, please exercise judgment in making personal decisions that could put you or others at risk. We expect people to comply with applicable regulatory mandates, but also to exercise sound judgment to seek medical attention and avoid contact with colleagues, friends, and the public if you are feeling ill.

Please be selective in your sources of information and try not, in these times of uncertainty, to panic or spread false stories or information amongst yourselves. Monitor communications via email and reputable websites:
NICD’s Coronavirus Emergency 24-hour toll free # 0800 029 999 or visit the NICD’s website at www.nicd.ac.za
Department of Health’s Webpage at https://sacoronavirus.co.za and an excellent WhatsApp Information Tool that can be accessed via https://wa.me/27600123456 and by responding Hi

Please be wary of on-line special offers relating to supplies such as face masks and hand sanitizer and know that there is no door-to-door testing being undertaken by either the Department of Health or Private Medical Services.

In light of the latest advice and regulations, we are calling on all LANDLORDS, PROPERTY OWNERS AND TENANTS to co-operate and implement the following precautionary measures:
Everyone must practice good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading.

Good hygiene includes:
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• disposing of tissues properly
• washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going
to the toilet
• using alcohol-based hand sanitizers
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• If you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 meters away from people

Bars and Restaurants
• There will be no venue, event or meeting that has more than 100 persons in attendance (with numbers subject to change as we move forward).
• Sit down services must be adjusted to implement the right and correct increased social distancing space of at least 1 metre
• Strict hygiene protocols must be implemented for both staff and clients

Close Contact Services (such as nail bars and hair salons)
• Ensure that all the necessary precautions to protect oneself and clients are taken seriously. This includes the use of gloves and masks. Wash and sanitise against infections with disinfecting hand soap and sterilise all tools of the trade prior to any treatments.

Retail Outlets
• Store Managers need to limit the number of persons in any shop so that social distancing of at least one metre can be implemented.
• We will provide Generic Posters for placement in your stores and places of business if requested as we want uniform messaging regarding hygiene and social distancing to be upfront and foremost in the public domain.

IN PUBLIC SPACES
BRAAM has ensured that both Excellerate Cleaning Services and BadBoyz Security as our service providers are educating and empowering their staff in all matters hygiene-related. They will be wearing gloves and masks as differentiator symbols and for their and the general public’s protection.

Practice Social Distancing
• at ATMS
• shops
• walking in the streets
• waiting for transport
• in restaurants
• do not share drinks, utensils or clothing

This outbreak is a scary and difficult time for all. Our mental health is also important at such times:
• Research and learn
• Accept your worries
• Look after yourself
• Focus on what you can control
• Think about prevention
• Think about your impact on others
• Focus on the present moment
• Be prepared to say “NO”
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help

BRAAM recognises that each entity in the neighbourhood is putting their own protocols and measures in place, which need to be strictly adhered to.

We ask for further full co-operation and caring amongst ourselves at this time.

Yael Horowitz
BRAAM Precinct Manager
yael.horowitz1@wits.ac.za