Prevent a second wave

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Municipality released a statement saying that residents can help to prevent a second wave of Covid-19 infections.

This follows the latest confirmed number of active Covid-19 cases in Mossel Bay - a total of 79 cases.

Read the statement below.

Preventing a second wave
We are aware of the inevitable public fatigue regarding prevention measures, and the real need to return to economic activity.

Despite our wanting to return to normal, and despite the relative success of our COVID-19 response, it is important to keep up our prevention behaviour.

COVID-19 is not gone; we need to work together to minimise a second wave.

Flare-ups in Western Cape
As more people are moving around and economic activity is allowed under level 1 restrictions we are seeing smaller clusters of infections flare up - both in our Metro and Rural areas.

Many of these flare-ups originate at social gatherings which can be anything from a party, religious gathering or even in a workplace – any place where large numbers of people congregate that is crowded, has poor ventilation and social distancing cannot be maintained.

We call these “super-spreader” events, where close indoor contact and relaxed measures of prevention in communities lead to the rapid spread of the virus.

While some of these events are amongst young people, who are less at risk of severe illness, it is crucial to remember that this can spread rapidly to the vulnerable and elderly in our communities. There is also no evidence to suggest that young people and children are immune to the virus. While they may not contract such severe illness, they do contract it and they do pass it on.

Making safer choices & avoiding super-spreader events
As we enter summer and traditional holiday season, there is a need to socialise and see other people. Ensure you connect safely with other people and stay as safe as possible when leaving your house by avoiding possible super-spreader events.

When going out, always wear your mask and avoid crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
Do not become complacent. Even when you feel safe between friends and family, you should continue to wear your mask and maintain a distance of at least 1,5 m from other people.

Take it outside
As more research has become available, it has become clear that the virus’s rapid spread in particles is a contributing factor.

Fresh air and good ventilation are important factors to consider in safety and prevention of the spread.

Particularly in public transport, office or work environments and other areas where people congregate, it is important to keep in mind that fresh air is our friend. Keep windows and doors open where possible to ensure a good flow of air in all venues.

Outside events remain a safer option with safe distancing and control of numbers being observed.

If you are socialising, try to meet up with a friend outside and maintain a distance of 1,5 m and wear our mask.

Look after our general physical and mental wellbeing
During the COVID-19 peak, many people put healthcare activities on hold. It is important that we return to healthcare safely and look after our general physical and mental wellbeing.

Where possible, we urge people to use the “safer” option such as having chronic medication delivered to their home and to make use of telephonic health services where possible. However, where it is needed, please keep up appointments, immunisation schedules and all necessary health care and always wear your mask when needing to go to a health facility.

The best defence against illness remains the basic things to boost health and our immune systems, such as eating healthy and fresh food, getting regular exercise, and taking care of mental and emotional wellbeing.

5 Golden Rules
Always remain vigilant and continue to wear your mask when outside.