With Gauteng recently identified as the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, Johannesburg has worryingly experienced an upward trend in the rate of new infections, with over 600 City employees now ill, and six reportedly dead.
The rise in new infections has prompted the temporary closure of several municipal buildings, leaving hundreds of employees and residents in jitters.
Latest incidents have seen the City’s Tourism offices closed down until further notice due to a newly recorded case of Covid-19, bringing the number of cases in the Department of Economic Development to four.
A similar incident led Pikitup Central Camp depot in Diepkloof, Soweto, to halt waste collection services after an employee tested positive for Covid-19. The Roodepoort Civic Centre was also forced to close after an official contracted the coronavirus.
Cllr Mpho Moerane, the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, says City Power, Pikitup and Joburg Water have over the past few weeks been forced to operate on contingency staff after most of the depots were either shut down or had to put staff in isolation, self-quarantine and medical leave after testing positive for Covid-19 or being in contact with those infected.
“We have been able to ramp up services but are being hampered by attacks by residents on our officials,” says Cllr Moerane.
In another recent incident two Public Safety officials, including a JMPD officer and a firefighter died from coronavirus-related complications.
“These are officers who have served the Department with diligence and valour and they will never be forgotten. They were at the forefront of the City’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus,” says Cllr Mally Mokoena, the MMC for Public Safety, noting that their footprints and legacy will remain in the City.
Another City official at the Department of Environment and Infrastructure Services succumbed to this pandemic last week.
Cllr Lloyd Phillips, the MMC for Economic Development, says municipal employees need to be vigilant when observing public health protocols.
“Let us continue to maintain social distancing, wear face masks at all times, wash hands with soap and water and sanitise accordingly. Let us ensure that these protocols are indeed observed to at all times,” Cllr Phillips emphasises.
