THE Department of Health in conjunction with SAPS, Government Communication, and Information Systems (GCIS) conducted a COVID-19 awareness programme at the KwaNobuhle Shopping Centre.
There was a long queue outside the South African Post Office in the busy centre. Partners urged all government grant beneficiaries in the queue to wear their masks, practise social distancing and most importantly, visit the on-site vaccination tables that were placed near them.
Zukiswa Mqumbisa, Nelson Mandela Bay Regional Communications Coordinator, said that when they arrived outside the KwaNobuhle Post Office, there was no social distancing and no wearing of masks at all by people, most of whom came to collect their R350 Social Relief Grants.
“People did not come at Babs Madlakane Hall which is an official vaccination site because this is the time to collect their government grants. We then decided to bring services to the people in the centre,” said Mqumbisa.
She said KwaNobuhle and Kariega are among the COVID-19 hotspots in the metro and residents must always adhere to health protocols.
Health promoter Mvuyi Maqokolo from the Department of Health said from now on the district health workers will visit queues such as at the Post Offices to urge people to get vaccinated.
“We will also keep on informing people to conform to health protocols. We would like to urge residents not to be discouraged by myths about the vaccines,” said Maqokolo.
