Dear SWID Members

The SWID has recognised the country is currently under immense pressure following the developments of the situation thus far. Please be assured that with regard to Operations everything remains business as usual, there are minor impacts with regard to meetings which may be suspended such as CPF and Inner Jozi. However, the information shared at these platforms will be distributed to the necessary stakeholders and all day to day operations will continue unaffected.

Our teams on the ground have been briefed to increase their vigilance and practice necessary protocols to ensure their own safety i.e. social distancing, hygiene etc.

We have also taken into careful consideration, the steps outlined by President Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Sunday 15 March, and the changes that have been implemented on a national level in order to support the global drive to slow down the rate of infection:
• Organisations to limit contact groups and suspend any gatherings that would attract more than 100pax;
• Organisations to apply Business Continuity practices and define approach in response to the closure of schools and other measures that may affect staff;
• Organisations to increase preventive measures:
• hygiene controls (increased cleaning with special focus on contact points i.e. handles, banisters, buttons, etc.),
• preliminary screening for access to businesses/buildings,
• awareness protocols (emails to staff, posters in public areas, etc.).

WE SAY – START NOW & REMAIN SAFE
The COVID_19 pandemic calls for a change in behaviour and increased self-awareness. We need to be more conscious of our actions and those of our families, colleagues and communities in order to protect ourselves and those around us. With this in mind, we ask you to practice:
• Social distancing as much as possible;
o Cancel large gatherings (e.g., more than 50 people, though the threshold is at the discretion of the community) or move to smaller groupings.
o Consider offering video/audio events.
o Reduce activities (e.g., group congregation, religious services), especially for organisations with individuals with underlying medical conditions.
o No hand-shaking at all.
• Correct hygiene – wash your hands correctly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, as often as possible.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue (discard immediately) or bent elbow.
• Those with respiratory diseases are to take extra measures to protect themselves against possible infection.
• Please self-isolate if you have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive for COVID_19 or if you are experiencing the symptoms and contact the relevant authorities.
• Stay informed about the developments using reliable sources of information and be conscious of fake news circulating on social media and other platforms.
• Ensure your personal safety and security, there are those who will try and take advantage of the current situation, there are already known instances of individuals posing as healthcare workers to gain access to people’s property under the guise of door to door testing.
Resources
Any queries or concerns can be directed to the toll-free COVID-19 HOTLINE on 0800 029 999, it operates from Monday to Friday, from 8am – 4pm.
Furthermore there are new platforms that have been released which include the National WhatsApp Stream 060 012 3456 as well as the new webpage www.sacoronavirus.co.za, these sources can be used for the latest information and plans from National Government.
FURTHER LINKS
www.health.gov.za www.nicd.ac.za www.nioh.ac.za www.nhls.ac.za www.who.int

Now more than ever, we need to be thinking about how we can help one another, if you have an elderly neighbour, or someone who has medical issues, ask them if they’re OK or if they need anything.

Further during this time, we must acknowledge all the security officers, cleaners, fire fighters, paramedics, cashiers, doctors, nurses, frontline staff, waiters and many others that don’t have the opportunity to “work from home”. Thank you to each one of you for keeping us serviced, safe and well at all times.

Yours Sincerely,
Mikhaela Donaldson
Precinct Manager