MAYOR KAUNDA URGES ETHEKWINI RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION AS COVID-19 INFECTIONS PEAK

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has urged communities to cooperate with government in flattening the curve as eThekwini has become the epicentre of COVID-19 in KwaZulu-Natal, with an expected upsurge in new infections in the coming weeks.

Mayor Kaunda has called on eThekwini residents to be vigilant and continue to abide by the lockdown regulations to slow down the coronavirus infection rate. Over the weekend, the Mayor embarked on an awareness campaign in various public transport facilities including taxi and bus ranks.

“Let us continue to stay at home and only be outdoors when it is necessary to get medical assistance, groceries or making our way to places of employment. Ensure that you wear your mask at all times – covering your mouth and nose – wash your hands with soap or hand sanitiser and maintain social distance at all times,” he elaborated.

Mayor Kaunda reiterated that those attending funerals must adhere to safety protocols by keeping the number of mourners below 50, including family members. “Under lockdown regulations, we must also remember that social gatherings like weddings and parties are still not permitted as the country is still grappling with the pandemic. Let us be responsible citizens by reporting those who are flouting the lockdown regulations to law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Mayor Kaunda also urged employees to allow older persons or persons with underlying health conditions to work from home or be away from the workplace because they are more susceptible to the pandemic. “The lockdown regulations allow for this take place provided that a medical certificate is produced to that effect and is presented to the employer,” he said.

Mayor Kaunda encouraged residents to practice healthy living during this difficult time by regularly exercising and consuming foods that boost the immune system. “Let us drink warm water with lemon, ginger and garlic. Let us also continue to exercise in the comfort of our homes or as stipulate by the lockdown regulations to ensure that our bodies are strong enough to fight off the virus. If we follow the lockdown regulations appropriately at all times, we will contribute significantly to flattening the curve. Let us work together to defeat COVID-19,” he explained.

Mayor Kaunda wished all those infected by coronavirus a speedy recovery and conveyed his deepest condolences to those who have lost a loved one as a result of the virus. “As a nation, we shall overcome the virus as we have triumphed in many other challenging situations before. There will come a time when these devastating times will be a thing of the past but it requires that we unite and work together. Let us all cooperate with government by adhering to the lockdown regulations to flatten the curve and slow down the virus infection rate,” he said.