Lesemang Matuka

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has introduced an innovative and holistic response plan named District Development Model (DDM) to combat the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the identified hotspot areas. The DDM integrate health, social, economic and environmental aspects to enforce measures to curb the spread of the virus and control the pandemic by slowing down transmission

The DDM, which boasts a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach, was launched on Tuesday in Orange Farm township. The launch was attended by various stakeholders – including civil society, communities, media, NGOs, other voluntary associations, families and individuals. 

The Head of Gauteng Department Health (HoD), Professor Mkhululi Lukhele while undertaking a door-to-door awareness campaign in the area said that he believes that the DDM will go some way in strengthening the province's response to the pandemic.

"We are directing our efforts to support targeted interventions towards priority areas such as Orange Farms, where infections are high. And, as we go along doing-to-door awareness, we have observed that many people are not wearing masks and do not observe social distancing. We have also observed a shop owner who was serving a customer without wearing a mask," said the HoD.

"The key issue is to keep on creating awareness and educating the communities about COVID-19 because the most effective way of controlling the spread of the virus is the non-pharmaceutical method, which includes, amongst others; the wearing of cloth masks and observing social distancing, practising good hygiene measures such as cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands. Also, we should not leave our houses except for essentials such as food or medicine," emphasised Professor Lukhele.

The campaign involves testing for all those who are identified with signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  The team will also assist with arranging a quarantine site for those people who test positive but cannot self-quarantine at home for a minimum of 10 days.  

 
The multi-sectoral team will be in Orange Farm until Friday. During this period there screening and testing for COVID-19 will be intensified and door-to-door awareness and education initiative heightened.   

 
"Over and above, we can all play our part and reduce our risk of catching COVID-19 by observing the regulations.

"We, again, remind Gauteng residents that COVID-19 does not discriminate. The virus does not choose to infect based on the colour of your skin, whether you are rich or poor, whether you are old or young. It does not target a specific group of people. We are all potential victims," implored Professor Lukhele.