Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The municipality in Bitou along with role players from the private and public health system and other key sectors have formed the Bitou Covid-19 Response Team to fight against the impact of the coronavirus.
"It is a multi-clustered task team that includes public transport (taxis and buses), public and private doctors, police, law enforcement and various non-profit organisations," said Bitou municipal spokesperson Andile Namntu.
He explained that the task team is looking at all aspects surrounding the virus and the disease, including prevention measures, government regulations and laws, quarantine facilities, volunteers as well as the possible financial needs of the town.
Preparing for the worst
The team has judged 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 immediately start stockpiling medical equipment, medication, personal protective gear, linen and other essentials," the task team said in a statement.
A bank account has been set up for donations to reach these goals.
"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 sincerely 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 for use by the Bitou Covid-19 Response Team, by Hospice Plett, who will act as administrators for the receipt and disbursement of donated funds," they added.
The team is chaired by Dr Nicola Whiteman and includes other stakeholders such as Hospice Plett, Plett Tourism, the Plett Business Chamber and medical doctors.
They said any financial contribution or donations in the form of medical equipment like oxygen cylinders and concentrators, unused oxygen tubing, nebulisers, masks and other personal protective equipment, plastic chairs, tents and gazebos would be welcomed.
Need for quarantine facilities
"We would also appreciate the temporary use of any buildings that can be used as potential quarantine venues. These facilities should preferably have adequate water supply, rooms to quarantine patients and, ideally, beds."
The team will also be creating a database of volunteers. "We will ensure that the services of all vulnerable volunteers (older than 65, those with comorbidities 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, veterinarians as well as councillors."
The team is also in the process of creating a Bitou Covid-19 hotline.
For more information email: plettcovid19@gmail.com
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