The minister of health, Zweli Mkhize, announced on Saturday night that there are over 3000 COVID-19 cases and 52 deaths in South Africa. The number of cases and the number of deaths have been increasing by the day. This brings us to the question, is this lockdown effective?
The purpose of the lockdown was to keep citizens safe. To put those who are exposed or infected under quarantine until the solution is found. The government drew the rules of the lockdown that are supposed to discipline citizens. But how is that working out? If we are honest, despite the people breaking the rules, there are a few gaps and loopholes in the strategy for lockdown. Here are some of the reasons why the lockdown may be extended for the next 4 to 6 months.
1. Physical Access To Grocery Stores and Supermarkets.
It is an undeniable truth that people need food to survive. That is why the government has given citizens physical access to grocery stores for grocery shopping. This seems to be doing more damage than good. People go to stores in massive numbers and the fact that 50 people can be in one store for a specific period is not helping. Because even so, there are still hundreds of people who are queuing outside. It takes one person positive person to spread the virus.
What would happen if the government closed the doors for physical shopping? And instead introduced online grocery shopping with door-to-door deliveries. That way, the number of people outdoors can be limited, monitored and managed. Making sure that the workers on duty are well cared for and protected.
2. Corrupt Government Authorities.
Another thing that is pulling the country back from progressing is that some of the authorities on duty take this as an opportunity to start scheming. There have been township rumors that when the police make a bust on one tavern, they sell the alcohol to other owners.
The word on the streets says that there are taverns in Soweto that secretly sell alcohol. And the police are the suppliers. Where there is smoke, there is fire. If this is true, then investigations must be conducted and perpetrators must be brought to justice. Because giving people access to alcohol does not only concern hygiene but it also motivates social gatherings.
3. Hospitals and Clinics.
Some patients need routine check-ups, doctor's follow-ups and medication every month. Having these patients walking in every day makes hospitals a high-risk area. And therefore, if it is possible, the government can utilize paramedics and student nurses and doctors for house calls for these patients. This can help limit the number of people in hospitals and protect other patients from the risk of catching the virus.
It all sounds like a lot, but if we are honest, the lockdown with its rules and regulations hasn't been a success. And judging by the numbers, it will not get better if we continue to operate with the same methods. It may not be as easy as it sounds, and it might require a lot of resources and funds. But maybe the government needs to implement new methods. If it is not so, this lockdown will last way more than it should. Please be sure to leave a comment and click on the follow button if you agree.
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The purpose of the lockdown was to keep citizens safe. To put those who are exposed or infected under quarantine until the solution is found. The government drew the rules of the lockdown that are supposed to discipline citizens. But how is that working out? If we are honest, despite the people breaking the rules, there are a few gaps and loopholes in the strategy for lockdown. Here are some of the reasons why the lockdown may be extended for the next 4 to 6 months.
1. Physical Access To Grocery Stores and Supermarkets.
It is an undeniable truth that people need food to survive. That is why the government has given citizens physical access to grocery stores for grocery shopping. This seems to be doing more damage than good. People go to stores in massive numbers and the fact that 50 people can be in one store for a specific period is not helping. Because even so, there are still hundreds of people who are queuing outside. It takes one person positive person to spread the virus.
What would happen if the government closed the doors for physical shopping? And instead introduced online grocery shopping with door-to-door deliveries. That way, the number of people outdoors can be limited, monitored and managed. Making sure that the workers on duty are well cared for and protected.
2. Corrupt Government Authorities.
Another thing that is pulling the country back from progressing is that some of the authorities on duty take this as an opportunity to start scheming. There have been township rumors that when the police make a bust on one tavern, they sell the alcohol to other owners.
The word on the streets says that there are taverns in Soweto that secretly sell alcohol. And the police are the suppliers. Where there is smoke, there is fire. If this is true, then investigations must be conducted and perpetrators must be brought to justice. Because giving people access to alcohol does not only concern hygiene but it also motivates social gatherings.
3. Hospitals and Clinics.
Some patients need routine check-ups, doctor's follow-ups and medication every month. Having these patients walking in every day makes hospitals a high-risk area. And therefore, if it is possible, the government can utilize paramedics and student nurses and doctors for house calls for these patients. This can help limit the number of people in hospitals and protect other patients from the risk of catching the virus.
It all sounds like a lot, but if we are honest, the lockdown with its rules and regulations hasn't been a success. And judging by the numbers, it will not get better if we continue to operate with the same methods. It may not be as easy as it sounds, and it might require a lot of resources and funds. But maybe the government needs to implement new methods. If it is not so, this lockdown will last way more than it should. Please be sure to leave a comment and click on the follow button if you agree.
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