Posted in Features, News on Jul 05, 2020.
Kaizer Chiefs’ Doctors Mohammed Moosajee and Jerome Mampane are some of the people who are on duty during this time and both reflect on the status quo as the country is witnessing an increase in the number of infections. “It has been an eye-opening experience. It is scary at the same time, posing a challenge,” says Mampane.
Mampane takes us through the complex situation they are facing as medicos. “Beyond the everyday medical stuff, we are called upon to add value with our voices. We are required to help the people interpret and understand the information they are consuming from media outlets and social media. We need to also debunk the myths and false ideas which are fed by fear and misinterpretation.”
With the pandemic at an advanced stage and numbers of the affected spiking at a fast rate, Mampane shares his concerns: “People are scared - so are we. These are uncertain times, but we can beat this if we follow good plans and actually apply the measures we have been advised to apply to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. As clinicians, we are concerned about this situation. People’s attitudes need to change. We need to make the effort to educate more and more people.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa, together with the Department of Health, led by Dr Zweli Mkhize have issued an advisory for the citizens to be more responsible.
“We are living in unprecedented & extraordinary times indeed,” says Dr Moosajee. “Covid-19 pandemic looks to peak in South Africa over the next month or two; and has raised anxiety and fear within our communities. This is mainly attributed to many uncertainties over the novel coronavirus, including how contagious it is, the role of asymptomatic cases, transmission methods, and the unpredictable course of the disease. Unfortunately, these factors are also fuelling harmful stereotypes.
“This has been a challenging and demanding time for all Health Care Workers,” laments Moosajee, “with mental and physical fatigue setting in. A significant number of medical practitioners have also contracted the virus during the selfless efforts of fulfilling their duties.
“Now more than ever, the South African public needs to guard against complacency. There should be a fine balance between remaining vigilant, but avoiding becoming paranoid, as we look towards a change in social behaviour, which remains the primary mode to halt the increased spread of the virus. We should remain mindful of the absolute importance of physical distancing, avoiding unnecessary social interactions, adequate hand hygiene and the wearing of facial masks.”
“Remember, the virus does not move, but people do!” concludes Moosajee, “Saving lives starts with you and I, and ends with all of us…”
Kaizer Chiefs family is behind the frontline service workers and wishes them all strength to never give up on their service to the nation.