KAROO NEWS - The resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic, signalled by a dramatic increase in the number of daily infections and a steady climb in the death rate, is worrisome and calls for drastic action.
Experts warned earlier, after the pandemic's last wave subsided, that South Africa faced the certainty of another, serious, Covid surge.
After the initial panic and lockdown, a complacency set in with many letting down their guard, paying no heed to social distancing and other precautionary measures. The result being that we are entering the third wave with the rather sad news only a fraction of the population having been vaccinated.
The third wave is more deadly than the first or second wave. What is quite alarming is that a higher number of youngsters are contracting the virus and spreading it to the vulnerable.
With the third wave set to intensify before it subsides, accompanied by dire economic consequences and the tragic human cost, there is much we can do to mitigate the impact of this third wave.
Now is the time to increase vigilance and to adhere to the safety measures without any lapse, a local general medical practitioner, who wishes to remain anonymous for professional reasons, told the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser.
"It is each person's responsibility to protect themselves and their loved ones from the harsh effects of the third wave. There should be no relaxation in safety measures: always wear a mask, apply proper hand hygiene and keep your social distancing. We must also ensure that we cooperate completely with the authorities and support various vaccination drives.
"Vaccines are viewed as an effective antidote to the current crisis. However, we need to keep in mind that vaccines are not 100% effective and a vaccinated person can still get infected with mutant strains of the virus."
He suggests 13 steps Graaff-Reinet residents must take to stay safe:
- Always wear a mask, especially in public.
- Stick to your social distancing in public.
- Remain indoors to the maximum.
- If possible work from home.
- Avoid unnecessary gatherings and other social events.
- Carrying your own sanitiser allows you to sanitise your hands at regular intervals.
- Avoid water coolers and rather bring your own bottled water.
- On your return home, wash your hands before touching any surface or people.
- If you have to go to a public facility like a bank or to renew your driver's licence, use your own pen and avoid touching an item used by staff or other visitors.
- If possible avoid touching armrests or countertops and railings in public places.
- When ordering food like takeaways, try to eat once you reach home.
- Most importantly, get vaccinated as early as possible.
- And encourage your family and friends to do likewise.
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