8 April 2020 by CXpress

8 April 2020

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Published every Wednesday by CXpress 2006 (Pty) Ltd - PO Box 1449, Plettenberg Bay 6600 - 6 Park Lane, Plettenberg Bay - Tel: 044 533 1004 - Fax: 044 533 0852 Email: editor@cxpress.co.za / advertising@cxpress.co.za Web page: www.cxpress.co.za Printed by Group Editors

Happy Lockdown Easter!

Photo: Gigi Lewis

Covid-19 will ensure that 2020 presents an Easter Weekend with a difference - but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find ways to entertain yourself, as demonstrated by the inimitable Gigi Lewis, pictured here paying tribute to her absent cleaning lady. Find out more on page 4, and try the easy cupcake recipe on page 5 to brighten up your Easter.

In limbo: letter from Panama p2

Virus screening in full swing p3

Robert takes his angel ‘home’ p5

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NEWS & VIEWS

8 April 2020

A letter from Panama: No direction home… A carrier pigeon landed on the CXPRESS office roof with this missive from correspondent in absentia - BOB HOPKIN writes from Boquete in Panama feel justified in stealing the second line from Bob Dylan’s immortal song ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, as that is exactly how Mr and Mrs Hopkin feel at the moment. Just over three weeks ago, we left South Africa on our final (?) ‘Adventure of a lifetime’ to Panama. House sold, car sold, possessions sold or given away, we were free spirits with all of our assets capitalised and ready to invest in a new life - far away. So far so good - until the incompetence of the local reps of Lufthansa started the inexorable slide by refusing to accept our cats on the flights here via Frankfurt, in spite of their website specifically stating that small pets would be accepted at check in. They now reside indefinitely in a Kempton Park facility until flights resume… Head winds on the latter flight, Frankfurt to Panama City, over the Caribbean meant that the four Rolls Royce turbines on our Airbus A340 were fighting a losing battle, and our supposed 10-hour flight lasted more than 12, with exhaustion reaching a semi-terminal state.

A brief respite during a pleasant overnighter near Tocumen Airport followed by a short and sweet flight the next day to David gave us hope that we were almost back on track. Then the virus struck. Overnight the quiet country town of flowers, fruit and rippling waters, known as Boquete, turned into a scene from ‘Mad Max - Fury Road’. The few shops open became inundated with desperate shoppers; banks closed, so payments for accommodation and, equally important, to attorneys for visa applications became problematical.

Bustling streets emptied and relaxed locals were replaced by Hazmat-suited aliens spraying disinfectant everywhere. One person per family is allowed out for two hours per day to shop for essentials with timing based on the last number of their ID, otherwise everyone is confined to home. So, how has all this affected us? Badly, to be sure. Our plans to rent for a while during a short house search, then purchase, have gone out the window. After a few, indecisive, viewings we cannot leave our accommodation to see any more.

IN LIMBO: Bob and Joyce Hopkin left the Garden Route for greener pastures, but on the way there the virus struck...

As Panama uses the $US as currency, our fragile SA rands have become a volatile resource of indeterminate value so we don’t know what we can afford anymore. At least the vital documents from South Africa that we needed to kick-start our visas are secure. The moral of the story? Well, for the moment there really isn’t one. I think after 38 years in South Africa, and even 15 years on the lovely Garden Route, we had reached Max Boredom. Been everywhere, done everything and it was all getting a bit repetitive. Did we want this much excitement or stress? No, of course not. We are here, we will make the best of it, and I, the eternal optimist, think that eventually the best will be pretty good. Joyce and I have been together for a long time (the exact time is classified under pain of death, says Joyce); we have developed into a team, decide under consensus and, mostly, like the same things. My feeling is that, in our case, one plus one equals five and we will prevail. More news as it develops, and best wishes from Panama.

Caring for cats and dogs during Covid-19 quarantines LTHOUGH experts from the World Health Organisation, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and elsewhere agree that cats and dogs are not at risk of getting Covid-19 nor transmitting it to humans, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) offers information about the best ways to keep animal companions and their guardians safe and healthy during this unprecedented outbreak.

• Never put face masks on animals, as they can cause breathing difficulties. • Allow animals to move about normally - don’t cage them. • People who are under medical attention for Covid-19 should avoid close contact with animals and have another member of their household care for animals so as not to get the virus on their fur. The virus can remain on animals’ fur, just as it can remain

on a doorknob, a handrail, another human hand, or any other surface that an infected person has touched. • Don’t stockpile unnecessarily, as this could result in shortages for others. But do ensure that you have adequate food and medicine, if needed, for your companion animals (approximately two to three weeks’ worth should do the trick). • Assist neighbours who may not be able to shop for their

companion animals and donate pet food to food banks. “Our dogs and cats rely on us to take care of them year round and especially during times of crisis,” says PETA senior vice president of International Campaigns Jason Baker. “We are asking everyone to ensure that their animals are still getting healthy food, plenty of exercise, and lots of love.” Visit PETAAsia.com for more information.

NEWS & VIEWS

8 April 2020

CXPRESS

Community testing drive now in full swing as provincial Covid-19 cases increase at steady pace Kicking off in the Cape Metro and Mossel Bay on Monday April 6, Western Cape Government Health this week continues with screening for Covid-19 throughout the province ESTERN Cape Health minister Nomafrench Mbombo this week emphasised the importance of penetrating the province’s poorest areas first in a bid to prevent the virus from decimating vast sections of the population.

“Our vulnerable communities must be tested in greater numbers to ensure people are protected,” said Mbombo, adding that screening would be conducted by trained fieldworkers in these areas using simple verbal questions to identify people

who may require testing. “Health workers will ask health questions aimed at screening for symptom like a sore throat, cough or fever, and screening will either be done by community health workers visiting your home, or mobile units in your area.”

Donors, volunteers and masks top requirements in Plett’s war on virus N conjunction with Bitou Municipality, the Department of Health, Mediclinic, the Garden Route Disaster Management Team, Western Cape Social Development and SASSA, the Bitou Covid-19 response team is focussing on the following areas: • Identifying vulnerable groups and supporting them with food parcels. • Setting up shelters for the homeless and trying to support existing shelters. • Identifying quarantine venues and furnishing them with essentials. • Identifying additional medical facilities for the worst-case scenario. • Ensuring an adequate supply of medical equipment like PPE (personal protective equipment), essential medication, disposables and oxygen concentrators. • Providing homemade masks and educating the community about their use. • Coordinating and educating volunteers. Says Dr Nicola Whiteman, who heads the local response team: “A hotline is being set up as we are anticipating

that national and provincial hotlines will be inundated in the next couple of weeks. “The idea is that if you think you may have Covid-19, you call the hotline and a medically trained person will advise you on the best course of action, considering the situation in Bitou at the time. “This will ensure that people don’t inappropriately leave their homes.” Recently the Western Cape Government released a statement claiming that wearing a mask and gloves in public will not protect you from Covid-19. But Bitou’s response Team believes there is sufficient evidence to support the use of masks. “Masks reduce transmission of the virus by reducing the droplet spread from someone infected with Covid-19. Masks also prevent people touching their faces, which is one of the main routes of transmission. “Wearing a mask doesn’t protect you completely but evidence compels us to urge everyone to wear a mask,” says Dr Whiteman. Homemade masks should

be washed daily, and hands washed or sanitised after removing your mask. Visit www.cxpress.co.za to view a short video on the subject. Call Stephen Ritky on 082 929 7283 if you wish to donate, buy or produce masks and see the advert on page 7 for additional information. “We are setting up headquarters where we can begin gathering supplies and will be contacting the much-needed volunteers in our database shortly. We are trying to develop a clear plan and together with the municipality identify those most in need,” she says. Readers who can help with quarantine facilities must email Mike Scholtz at mike@plettonline.com and email Marius Venter at asiabiz@me.com if you can donate mattresses or linen, or to request an equipment donation form. See the letter on page 7 for more information, including bank details for financial contributions. Visit https://plettcovid19. pythonanywhere.com/ for access to all relevant forms and other Bitou response team news and updates.

Knysna takes proactive steps to stop infections NYSNA Municipality has implemented a number of practical measures to support residents during the nationally-enforced lockdown - and the uncertain future once the lockdown has been lifted. The municipality had already implemented stringent measures to promote social distancing prior to the lockdown, including the closure of public facilities from beaches to libraries, the cancelation of public meetings, and promoting the use of its electronic communication platforms. “Our mobile application is available from your app store, free of charge, and offers many functions to manage your account, report faults or even ‘chat’ with us directly. It also works on non-smart phones, making it accessible to most users,” said Knysna deputy mayor Aubrey Tsengwa. While the municipal offices closed on March 26 as

regulated, it implemented its business continuity plan to ensure that all essential and emergency services are rendered during this time. “This includes refuse removal,” said Tsengwa. “With the Easter long weekend coming up, please note that collections scheduled for Friday April 10 will take place on Thursday the 9th. Collections will take place as usual on Monday April 13. A support package for the informal business sector is under development and the municipality has made sanitation and personal hygiene more accessible to the area’s vulnerable communities. Tsengwa also indicated that the large-scale disinfecting of specific areas will begin within the week, with municipal staff having received the relevant training on April 4. “I know that it is difficult, but please stay at home. This is the only way in which we can overcome this chal-

lenge. If you do need to go outside, please adhere to the social distancing protocols. “We thank the essential workers of Knysna. Our municipal workers, health professionals, our security personnel, our shop assistants, stockers and tellers, and everyone else who are putting themselves at risk to serve us. We appreciate your service. Let us stand together by keeping apart - that is how we can beat Covid-19,” he concluded. • To donate toiletries, bedding or non-perishable food to the homeless sheltered at Loerie Park, call Lizel Baatjies on 060 998 7106 to arrange for collection. • Visit www.knysna.gov. za, www.smmesa.gov.za, www.tourismrelief.gov.za, www.idc.co.za or www.sup portbusiness.co.za for details on business support. • Employers who might require financial assistance from the UIF can visit cov id19ters@labour.gov.za.

Although details of community screening in Knysna and Plett had not been confirmed by going to print, residents are asked to familiarise themselves with the process and to allow fieldworkers, who will have ID tags and branded clothing, to proceed with the screening task at hand.

• Testing will be done if your answers to the questions indicate that you are at risk. The health worker will refer you to the closest testing centre. • The test will be done by taking a swab from your nose and throat. This will either be done in a clinic, or in a mobile parked in

your area. Test results will not be immediately available but patients will be advised of their status during follow-up calls. “Please welcome the health workers and answer their questions honestly; cooperate fully and encourage members of your family and community to be screened. Let’s keep our health workers safe and support our elderly and children, and please don’t be afraid of testing,” Mbombo concluded.

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CXPRESS

8 April 2020

How Covid-19 impacts livelihoods N a survey conducted last week, just over 1,200 respondents described how they perceived the government’s response to the pandemic and the effects of the state of lockdown on their livelihoods. Gig technology company M4Jam, which connects people with companies to take on short-term work over their mobile devices, took the opportunity to engage its members (known as jobbers) to find out how they were dealing with the unprecedented upheaval. The majority of respondents (85%) thought the government’s response to the coronavirus threat needed

improvement. While 51% thought the government response was either “great” or “good”, overall survey results showed that 17% of respondents said their greatest fears were getting infected, that their family members would get infected (16%), that medicines for treatment would not be available (16%), and that there would be a shortage of supplies in SA (14%). Other fears included that the virus would prove difficult to control (15%), that a cure would not be found (11%), and that children would not be able to go to school (12%).

In sourcing information about the spread and effects of the virus, 79% of respondents followed television updates, 73% also caught up on information from social networks, 69% searched the internet for information, and 55% listened for radio updates. Interestingly, not all sources are equally trusted. Television was by far the most trusted source of information (73%), with radio at 50%, the Health Ministry at 46%, and the internet at 36% leading the way. CEO Georgie Midgley says 96% of respondents said Covid-19 and lockdown would have a negative

financial impact on them and their families. “Ninety-four percent of respondents said the coronavirus threatened their jobs or businesses, but 95% supported the lockdown measure the government had taken and 87% believed it would work in slowing the spread of the virus,” says Midgley. “In response, 66% of those who took the survey said they were reducing their spending to deal with future uncertainty. “Opinion on how long the pandemic would last was much more divided, with 55% believing it would be over soon,” Midgley adds.

Mental health monitored closely - and here’s who’s happiest during lockdown ARKET researchers of SA company Meraki have been monitoring the mental health of citizens during the lockdown period, as it is extremely important to keep track of what South Africans are feeling daily, to find out whether they are fearful or hopeful, and on what these feelings are based. The research was aimed at monitoring how the lockdown affects citizens on a psychological level, and to try ensuring that South Africans do not sink into depressive and distressed states.

Week 1 Results The results of the survey are live-streamed via an online dashboard on the Meraki Research website that is accessible to anyone. Results are being represented weekly for reliability, with over 700 responses received in the first week. The survey has also sparked conversation online with streams of comments from citizens providing support and words of encouragement to their fellow South Africans. Trends are starting to unfold, some include: • People residing with just

a spouse/partner have the highest level of happiness, while those staying alone or with their spouse/partner and children are notably less happy. • Younger citizens are unhappier than older individuals. • 66% of people feel that the government is doing well in managing the crisis. • 89% feel that they have enough information about the crisis. • 77% do not feel that everyone is doing what they can to limit the spread of infection. • The majority of respond-

ents feel that the lockdown will last for three months. This research is unique in that it focuses on the mental state in terms of fear, concerns and mood. It is also interesting to note how long South Africans think the lockdown would last, and their thoughts are on what others are doing to flatten the curve. As South Africans, we need to stand together and be mindful of one another. Our mental health is important and we need to monitor this and make it possible for depressed and at-risk citizens to reach out.

NEWS & VIEWS LOCKDOWN TALES

I quite enjoy my own company

CXPRESS correspondent, since back in 2004, Gigi Lewis last weekend shared these pics and wrote: “The photo session started out depicting me as a good little house maid, as I wanted to thank my Malawian cleaning lady, Luckia, for all the excellent work she does for me every other week - which I now have to do myself. But then I found a torch for extra lighting effects and my work gradually deteriorated, ending in a sad display of a wannabe rock star caught up in the never-ending social media posts relating to Covid-19! My message, especially to those living alone, is to enjoy yourselves in your own company and to please keep safe.” Below, in Heron Village, Knysna, Gigi’s cautious neighbour took social distancing to the extreme by climbing on top of her roof, at the same time enjoying a spectacular sunset.

Sedgies’ lockdown remedies Talia Day Halderman

CoronaFighter tracks symptoms ORONAFIGHTER is a web-enabled app that allows you to track your symptoms through a simplified automated self-monitoring process. By providing the tools and information required for self-monitoring, CoronaFighter reduces pressure on testing points and protects its users from the risk of infection presented by the testing centres themselves. By gathering updated information on a daily basis, officials will be able to identify patterns in symptom development that can lead to earlier diagnosis and limit further spread. The easy-to-follow test gives all South Africans an accessible way to compare your current health profile to the latest NICD guidelines. Sign-up at www.testforcovid.co.za with your email and phone number or Google Account. You will give CoronaFighter a brief medical and travel history, and the app will be able to tell you what the latest NICD guidelines suggest you do next. CoronaFighter reminds us that we are in fact empowered in the fight against the virus and that together we can make a difference.

Sedgefield resident Kayla le Roux, 21, videos and shares her daily 10-minute yoga sessions. Other than perfecting this ancient art, she walks her bouncy big Labrador, Hugo, around the garden and practises gentle meditation to mitigate the confinement of lockdown.

In the Masters household, there is seldom a quiet moment. Chantel and Ivor Masters are keeping busy by cleaning out their garage (to actually make space for their car!) and rearranging the home boxing gym. Chantel has used her leafy green fingers to make yet another veggie patch, and even hustled Ivor into making a stand for their refuse.

Jody-Ann Gaines-Christoffels and her partner Dieter Christoffels are pictured here during a Sunday lunch break. An accomplished home cook, Jody-Ann is creating amazing dishes for her family to enjoy while Dieter is teaching his daughters Summer-Jane, 7, and India-Rose, 4, some gaming tricks on the computer.

NEWS & VIEWS

8 April 2020

CXPRESS

Archangel Michael delivered to KZN Midlands by its caring creator Last week, Plett sculptor Robert Leggatt shared the good news that his locally-produced sculpture, Archangel Michael Slaying the Dragon, had reached its final destination - read the backstory on page 13 of the January 8 edition at www.cxpress.co.za

ETERNAL HOME: Robert said the bronze was extremely well received and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;even while still on the trailer, at left, looked as if it had stood there for decadesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; at right, Robert arrived at his destination after driving the precious cargo from Plett to the Midlands and was greeted with delight and disbelief along the way

HE culmination of a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication and exacting work finally ended last month, when the bronze sculpture titled Archangel Michael Slaying the Dragon was driven up the drive of Michaelhouse school by sculptor Robert Leggatt. It was a most emotional moment for Plett sculptor Robert, who felt that the project was not completed until the sculpture had reached the safety of the grounds of the school. Robert had carefully sourced the perfect flatbed trailer and had driven the precious cargo himself from Plettenberg Bay to the Balgowan Valley in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. The unusual load was greeted with delight and disbelief as the Archangel flew along the roads towards its final destination in front of the Michaelhouse buildings, where everybody visiting the school will be able to view and admire it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On numerous occasions along the route to KZN, my load had people running out to see it going past and on the highway,

cars and trucks hooted and gave me the thumbs up,â&#x20AC;? says Robert. Upon the afternoon of its arrival, members of the Michaelhouse Board viewed the sculpture, which was most favourably received, and landscaper Tim Steyn presented his drawings of the remodelling and landscaping of the school grounds. It is exceptional that two Michaelhouse alumni, Robert and Tim, are working together on this incredible project. The sculpture blends in perfectly well and timelessly in its new surroundings. Robert has created a Collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Edition of 20 maquettes of the bronze; 19 of these have been sold to date. During the lockdown, he is busy working on an Open Edition Maquette, which will be sold through the school*. For additional information in this regard, please contact Robert on 063 674 3922. * A maquette is a small preliminary model to scale, marked with the edition number, i.e. 1/20. In an open edition, the sculpture is not numbered.

Bake these super-simple Chocolate Nest Cupcakes for your Easter table

OLD BOYS JOIN FORCES: Tim Steyn Landscaping was tasked with remodelling of the grounds in front of the school - fellow Michaelhouse alumni, Robert and Tim, right, are pictured next to Archangel Michael

RONAVIRUS DISEASE HEALTH SYSTEMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESPONSE TO PHYSICAL DISTANCING .1<61$ %,7OU 6U% ',675,&7

Primary health care clinics will remain open for essential services. Chronic medication will still be available for collection. Patients who have 6 -monthly doctor or sister appointments to renew their scripts will be able to collect their medication at their clinic but they will not have to draw a folder or have observations done if they are well. A fast lane will be set up at all clinics to ensure limited time in the waiting area. Allied services: physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietician appointments will be postponed. Dental services are postponed. Only management of pain and sepsis with medication will be primary health care services please contact your local health facility. Knysna Provincial Hospital will divert all resources to essential and emergency services: Â&#x2021; $OO QRQ XUJHQW HOHFWLYH VXUJHU\ KDYH EHHQ SRVWSRQHG DQG SDWLHQWV SURYLGHG ZLWK D ODWHU date. Â&#x2021; 6SHFLDOLVW FOLQLFV KDYH EHHQ SRVWSRQHG Â&#x2021; :RPHQÂˇV KHDOWK VHUYLFHV DQG VHUYLFHV WR SUHJQDQW ZRPHQ ZLOO continue. Â&#x2021; /LPLWHG XOWUDVRXQG VRQDU VHUYLFHV ZLOO FRQWLQXH Â&#x2021; $OO QRQ HPHUJHQF\ [ UD\ DSSRLQWPHQWV ZLOO EH UHERRNHG Please note that on arrival at the hospital or clinic your needs will be assessed and you may be DVNHG WR FRPH EDFN DW DQRWKHU WLPH 2QO\ SHUVRQV ZKR PHHW WKH FXUUHQW 1,&' VFUHHQLQJ FULWHULD ZLOO EH WHVWHG IRU &29,' DW KRVSLWDOV DQG VHOHFW FOLQLFV 1R SHUVRQV ZKR DUH ZHOO L H WKRVH ZLWK no symptoms) will be tested. Members of the public are encouraged to complete an online-self DVVHVVPHQW IRUP KWWSV ZZZ ZHVWHUQFDSH JRY ]D GHSDUWPHQW RI KHDOWK ULVN DVVHVVPHQW IRUP RU FDOO HLWKHU WKH 1DWLRQDO KRWOLQH RU 3URYLQFLDO +RWOLQH )RU WKRVH ZKR GR need testing, please contact the facility beforehand to arrange for a date and time to arrive at the facility to be tested.

OU will need... Snowflake Easymix Chocolate Muffin Mix 5ml caramel essence 12 small chocolate eggs 1 Flake chocolate, crumbled Chocolate butter icing 125g butter, softened 500ml (250g) icing sugar, sifted 60ml (25g) cocoa powder 30ml hot water 5ml caramel essence About 30ml milk Method â&#x20AC;˘ Add the essence to the wet in-

gredients before following the directions provided on-pack. â&#x20AC;˘ Once baked, make the icing by creaming the butter and icing sugar together. â&#x20AC;˘ Mix the cocoa powder with hot water and add it to the icing. Add the essence and just enough milk to form a smooth, spreadable consistency. â&#x20AC;˘ Ice the cupcakes, sprinkle with crumbled Flake and garnish each one with the chocolate eggs. Visit snowflake.co.za for lots of delicious recipes.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

8 April 2020

On the lighter side of lockdown… “South Africans often use humour to help us cope during adversity. It’s one of our strengths.” - South African Government UST heard a doctor on TV saying that during this time of coronavirus, while staying at home we should focus on inner peace. To achieve this, we should always finish things we start and we all could use more calm in our lives. I looked through my house to find things I’d started and hadn’t finished, so I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle of wum, tha mainder of Valiumun srciptuns, an a box a chocletz. Yu haf no idr how feckin fablus I feel rite now. Sned this to all who need inner piss. An telum u luvum. And two hash yer wands, stafe day avrybobby!

A few comments from those under house arrest: • One of my teachers once told me I wouldn’t amount to anything when I left school, but here I am, lying on the couch, saving the bloody world! • How long is this social distancing supposed to last? My husband keeps trying to get in the house. • I had a date last night. I really enjoyed it. So tonight I’m going to try a fig. • Due to the quarantine... I’ll only be telling inside jokes. • Our cleaning lady just called and told us she will be working from home and she will send us instructions on what to do. • To go to the grocery store, they said a mask and gloves were enough...

Me, after I ate all my lockdown snacks in one night They lied. Everybody else had clothes on! • The drop in petrol price during the lockdown is like a bald man winning a hairbrush. • This virus has done what no woman has been able to do: cancel all sports, shut down all bars,

and keep men at home. • Prediction: There will be a minor baby boom in nine months, and then one day in 2033 we shall witness the rise of The Quaranteens. • I still haven’t decided where to go for Easter, debating between the bedroom and the living room.

Unspeakable man walked into his doctor’s office and put a note on the table for the doctor to read. It said: “I can’t talk! Help me!” The doctor nodded sagely and instructed the man to put his thumb on the table. The man thought to himself that his thumb had nothing to do with

his inability to talk, but he did as the doctor ordered. The doctor then quickly picked up a big book and whacked the man’s thumb with it as hard as he could. “A A A A A A A A A A ! ” the man yelled. “Good, good,” the doctor said. “Come back tomorrow and we’ll work on the ‘B’.” 5

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ON THE SOAPBOX

8 April 2020

Letters to the Editor

Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852 - PO Box 1449, Plett 6600

Appeal to Bitou to join the war on Covid-19 Over the past weeks there has been a series of valuable discussions between Bitou Municipality, private and public healthcare providers, and other role-players and we have subsequently formed the Bitou Covid-19 Response Team, chaired by Dr Nicola Whiteman, who reports directly to the Bitou Covid-19 Joint Operations Team. Other stakeholders include Hospice Plett, Plett Tourism, Plett Business Chamber and local medical doctors. Bitou Municipality has pledged R200,000 for food parcels, and there are several ways in which each resident can play a part in minimising the impact of this crisis on the wellbeing of our community. The Bitou Covid-19 Response Team judges it best to prepare for a worst-case scenario in which supply chains of essential resources in the fight against Covid-19 are disrupted by the severity of the spreading pandemic. In preparation we need to ensure that we have adequate supplies of medical equipment, medication,

personal protective gear, linen and other essentials and we are working closely with the Department of Health in this respect. The generosity of our community was abundantly evident in the response to the 2017 fires. In the current situation, however, holding and distributing donations of food, clothing, etc. would constitute a health risk - so we are asking each of you for whatever monetary contribution you can afford. A bank account has been set up for these donations and the usage of all funds received will be recorded and available for public inspection. Any funds not used directly in the management of this crisis will either be refunded to donors or, if consent is given, donated to a worthy cause. This bank account was made available by Hospice Plett for use by the Bitou Covid-19 Response Team, and they will act as administrators for the receipt and disbursement of donated funds. Bank account details: The PlettAid Foundation, FNB, account number: 620 632 77472, branch

code 210514, SWIFT code FIRNZAJj, beneficiary reference ‘Covid19 + your surname’. Financial contributions notwithstanding, donations of beds, linen, and towels are especially welcome, whereas plastic chairs would also be appreciated. Email plettcov id-19@gmail.com with a list of goods you are willing to donate, your address, and contact details. Please don’t attempt to deliver the goods themselves, as we will contact you and arrange for pickup when the items are needed. Space to store donated goods are limited and once we start storing stuff, we will have to get security in to safeguard it. We would also appreciate the temporary use of any buildings that may serve as potential quarantine venues. These facilities should preferably have adequate water supply, rooms to quarantine patients and, ideally, beds. A database of volunteers is being compiled. We will ensure that the services of all vulnerable volunteers (older than 65, those with comorbid-

ities including diabetes, hypertension, lung pathology, etc.) will be used in areas that won’t put them at increased risk of contracting the virus. We are specifically looking for trained medical personnel such as nurses, paramedics, carers, doctors and veterinarians, as well as counsellors. Email plettcovid-19@gmail.com with your qualifications, and state in what capacity you can volunteer. We are promoting the use of masks and several sewing groups are producing these in order for the Bitou Covid-19 team to ensure that all community members have a mask to wear should there be a need to leave their homes. Stephen Ritky is coordinating this effort and can be contacted to enquire about set-off points, or if you would like to offer your sewing expertise. Call him on 082 929 7283. We are also in the process of creating a Bitou Covid-19 hotline and the number will be released shortly. Yours in hope and courage! Bitou Covid-19 Response Team, Plett

Let Plett be the exception when it comes to caring for those living hand to mouth I am hearing a great deal of speculation on the possibility of an extension of the 21-day lockdown. This would be the suicide of a nation, socially and economically. We do not have the luxury of being a rich first-world country with all the social benefits that goes with it. Perhaps we would have been closer if the treasure chest had not been looted in the last 20 years and, unfortunately, not by those who had the greatest need. Most of our society lives on daily need, utterly hand to mouth. For them to survive the present 21 days will require a

not so small miracle. Another 21 day-period will see the closing of factories, businesses the like of which this country has never denied a majority of our population the ability to survive - and I mean, survive. So the need to get back to work is paramount if we are to prevent an uprising of people driven to desperation, and with good reason. To come back closer to home… We are a small town in touch with each other, more so than most, and it is up to us who have a little more to help those with next to nothing.

There are people - a decent few - who recognise this need and are trying to mete out help, but we must go beyond that. A central fund needs to be established so that food and money can be deposited; supermarkets allocated with collection points; food kitchens reopened, a bank fund dedicated to ensure that none of our citizens goes hungry and no child starves. It is a big job, requiring sound management, but it is a case of every little bit helps a lot. The nucleus of concerned people are there and we ain’t short of talent. Let us make sure that

we are the town of exception. We have excellent communication abilities. Let’s use them. The one thing I can do, apart from writing bad letters to CXPRESS, is cook. If needed, I am here to help in that regard or in any other way. Start by looking after those who work for you and let’s hope we can grow from there. We are here only because of a very forgiving people. Let us return that forgiveness. Paul Deans, Plett (The letter above on Bitou’s Covid-19 response team efforts lists the relevant contact numbers and bank details for donations - Eds.)

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online at www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

8 April 2020

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