10 Sep 2020

Chanoga community has revived COVID-19 response team in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The team is expected to facilitate preventative measures and ensure COVID-19 protocol compliance in the village and its catchment areas.

Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi of Chanoga told BOPA in an interview that the formation of the team was necessitated by the disbandment of the village emergency COVID-19 response team which was formed during the extreme social distancing period.  

He said the team was led by school head and it was disbanded when the schools re-opened as they had to focus on their core business.

The decision to revive the team was taken during the Village Multi-Sectoral AIDS Committee (VMSAC) meeting which was  also attended by the Regional Health Management Team as there were concerns about violation of COVID-19 protocols within the community.

He acknowledged that members of the committee volunteered to be part of the team.

Kgosi Setlhodi said the easing of movement within zones had resulted in a lot of unnecessary movements, noting that it was worrisome that some had stopped washing hands at their households.

He said that before the easing of movement, members of the public played a key role in responding to the pandemic, and hoped the revival of the team would ensure continuity in response to the pandemic.

“This team is expected to raise public awareness on COVID-19 risks and mitigation measures to protect communities, and also to ensure access to other essential health services,” he added.

Kgosi Setlhodi pointed out that the previous team did a commendable job as it reduced the impact of the pandemic amongst the vulnerable members of the society by implementing COVID-19 response actions targeting the most vulnerable people and hard to reach areas.

The team, he said, activated the spirit of volunteerism and managed to open food bank in Chanoga where members of the community donated basic needs such as food hampers and soaps which relieved households under distress while waiting to be assisted through the COVID-19 social relief program.

The community, he said pledged ten vehicles to assist in distributing the food.

Kgosi Setlhodi appreciated those who assisted council with vehicles during distribution of food hampers to beneficiaries during the extreme social distancing.

“Our team and the community at large did a marvelous job as they offered quick support to help those in need in a timely and credible manner during trying times and I believe the incoming team would follow suit,” he added. ENDS