Nehawu: Govt needs to step up Covid-19 awareness campaigns

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced several new restrictions under level 1 of the regulations on Monday evening, including a curfew between 11pm and 4am and a weekend booze ban.

Nehawu spokesperson Khaya Xaba says the enforcement will be key to the success of the new restrictions.

“It is imperative to mention that government will not win this alone and also it must not exclude critical sectors like workers through their trade unions on the scientific analysis and planning to overcome this vicious virus.

“Workers and their trade unions interface the virus on daily basis and as a result their experiences will add significant value in guiding the approach the country is taking in controlling and managing the spread of the virus in society.”

Xaba says a total behavioural change among South Africans is needed to curb the second wave of infections.

“As Nehawu, we need an urgent meeting with the Minister of Health and the Department of Health to assist in developing a right mindset of South Africans regarding the Covid-19 pandemic through psychological preparedness awareness campaign to be driven in order to change the mindset of our people as a whole, including educating them about the nature and pattern of this virus.

“We strongly believe that government tends to be more reactive rather than proactive in dealing with the virus. Moreover, our struggling healthcare system could have been better prepared to deal with a second wave.”

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