The Coronavirus Action Committee (COVAC) plans to further implement government’s programme of action by creating educational posters for public places and the distribution of hand sanitisers to poorer communities.

Despite the Nelson Mandela Youth and Community Centre’s closure amid the rising fears of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, a group of community activists joined forces at the centre, last week, to establish how they can help contain the virus in the Chatsworth and Welbedacht areas.

The Coronavirus Action Committee (COVAC) plans to further implement government’s programme of action by creating educational posters for public places and the distribution of hand sanitisers to poorer communities.

The group will engage with authorities to ensure people abide by the public gathering rules, taxis and shops provide sanitisers, and the elderly, who are the most vulnerable, are taken care off.

Schools are closed, sports activities have been cancelled, and many people have been asked to work from home or just stay at home.

Sagren Naidoo, an active volunteer on the forum, said, “We must do everything possible to ensure that the virus does not spread. There are some simple rules you should follow. Please also educate others about these rules. People are continuously touching things others have touched. Wash your hands regularly. Wash it for at least 20 seconds with soap or use a hand sanitiser regularly. Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth. That is a definite way of contacting the virus. Stay one metre or more away from people. Social distancing is a must. As far as possible, avoid contact with others. Stay at home unless you must shop for food or go to work. When you cough, hold a tissue to your mouth and nose or cough into your elbow. Then dispose of the tissue immediately. Avoid public transportation whenever possible. If you use public transport, insist on hand sanitiser being provided. As far as possible, work from home and skip social gatherings. Also stay away from crowded bars and restaurants. Every single reduction in the number of contacts you have per day with relatives, friends and co-workers will have a significant impact on the ability of the virus to spread.”

If you think you have contracted the virus, call 0800-111-132.

For information on the coronavirus/COVID19 via Whatsapp, send a message to 060-012-3456. For more information on the Coronavirus Action Committee (COVAC), contact Clive Pillay on 061-429-2574.

Residents from Chatsworth and Welbedacht can follow this link to join the WhatsApp group created by the Coronavirus Action Committee for information and latest updates on the coronavirus: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CQWmsgCyb9Y43zognDTI05.

You can also email your queries to covacchatsworth@gmail.com