The EMS’s Public Information, Education, and Relations’ (PIER) officers have been crisscrossing major public transportation nodes across Johannesburg to encourage operators to help minimise the spread of Covid-19 by always adhering to health and safety protocols.
Johannesburg and the whole country are currently grappling with the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic (Omicron variant), with health experts advising the public to continue adhering to safety regulations to keep safe. With over 37 875 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Johannesburg in the last few weeks, PIER officers are eager to educate the public about safety measures to help prevent new infections from rising.
“PIER specialises in enlightening, training, and preparing the public for potential health hazards before disaster strikes,” says Marie Malatjie, an EMS PIER Officer.
Malatjie notes that PIER officers have been reaching out to public transport operators across the City to educate them about the numerous ways to protect themselves against the vicious disease. “We have been reaching out to taxi drivers to encourage them to minimise risky situations and help the municipality reduce the occurrence of Covid-19 and the loss of lives.”
Malatjie adds that it was important for PIER to recognise that operators of major public transportation are constantly exposed to Covid-19 infections. A public transport operator told PIER officers he did not feel safe at times because most passengers don’t wear their masks, but he also realised he didn’t sanitise them as expected.
In another instance, a street vendor says that even though some people adhere to Covid-19 prevention protocols, the public transport hub he operates from was always overcrowded, and nothing could be done to change the situation since most residents depend on taxis for transportation. Malatjie encourages every traveller in Johannesburg to reduce their chance of contracting the virus by taking all health precautions.
The City’s emergency management services (EMS) have been collaborating with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to teach public transport operators about preventative measures against Covid-19.
“This is necessary because we are in the midst of the holiday season, with our loved ones visiting family and friends, as well as going on vacation. We need to keep one another safe,” she says.
As part of measures to keep residents safe, Malatjie encourages travellers to always wear a mask, sanitize regularly, maintain social distance, refrain from drinking and driving, wear their seat belts on the road, and pay attention to the speed limit.
“The lives of Johannesburg citizens and the country at large must be protected. We urge all citizens to abide by both Covid-19 and road safety regulations to protect their lives and be safe,” says Malatjie.
Written by Nomasonto Manyehlisa
30/12/2021