03 Nov 2020

Members of Bobirwa COVID-19 team are decrying non-compliance on COVID-19 protocols, which has resulted in exponential spike in positive cases.

In a meeting recently, members sat to discuss avenues to address recent spike in positive cases in the wake of 23 new cases. Information from coordinator of Greater Selebi Phikwe region said a total of 89 cases were reported in the zone, which consists of Selebi Phikwe, Bobonong and Mmadinare clusters.

Of the 89 cases, 57 are still active while 32 are recoveries. Phikwe cluster reported 33 cases, of which 22 are active and 11 recovered. Bobonong cluster has a total of 42 cases; 25 are active and 17 are recoveries while Mmadinare Cluster has a total of 14 cases; 10 active and four recoveries.

Some of the suspects who have been directed to self-isolate, especially those who were struggling economically, were found to be defaulting on the recommendations, choosing to sneak out in an effort to find food. The situation cannot be helped by shortage of isolation facilities in the region.

The members also found that there was widespread non-compliance at funerals, weddings and parties. To the shock of many, people attended wedding celebrations in numbers larger than 50.

Deputy district commissioner, Ms Angelinah Leano called for measures to ensure compliance. She argued that too much reliance on police could further overwhelm the already stretched service.

She was stunned that even after informing the bride, groom and relatives to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, people still thronged the celebrations. In her own understanding of the regulations, wedding celebrations were not catered for, save for negotiations and taking of oaths by those getting married.

In an effort to slow down the spread, the committee looked into various solutions such as schools closure to break down the cycle, engaging owners of places that have proven hot spots and use of public address system to sensitise the community.

The committee also sought to resuscitate village committees that comprised kgosi, village extension committee chairperson, medical officer  and councillor. The committee will be seized with spreading of accurate information, especially statistics to show that the virus has encroached the region.

The committee will also look into holding weekly meetings for updates and solution seeking. Coordinator of Greater Selebi  Phikwe region, Mr Mpaphi Mbulawa decried challenges associated with home isolation, saying it appeared like keeping people in lockdown.

He found that without food those in isolation would be forced out to look for something to suppress pangs of hunger.

However, Mr Mbulawa said that plans were afoot to monitor those isolated on a daily basis to thwart their moves.

He also revealed that his region may be forced to transfer patients to Matsiloje at a facility that boasts over 400 beds. The facility caters for Francistown, Chobe and North East, among other regions. The coordinator informed the meeting that the region experienced shortages of isolation facilities.

Dr Enock Mulomba of Bobonong cluster reported that a total of 17 new cases had been reported in the territory and as such taking a total number of active cases to 39. He warned that cases could increase owing to the fact that there were some pending results while other results needed verification.

Worse, three Zimbabwean border jumpers who were held at the hospital isolation facility after testing positive have escaped and remained untraceable, Dr

Mulomba reported. He suspected that the three border jumpers feared prosecution after recovery.

Bobonong cluster coordinator also reported that a member of staff from Sexual Health and Reproduction unit together with a driver tested positive for COVID-19.

“We have noted that compliance is going down,” said Dr Mulomba, who observed a lack of social distancing at shops, funerals and weddings.

Dr Nhlanhla Rabanyana of Mmadinare cluster reported 14 COVID-19 cases, four of which are recoveries. He cited that the recent cases included a 14-year- old Makome JSS pupil, who presented with flu-like symptoms while the second recent was by a 21-year-old from Sefophe, who was a caretaker to a COVID-19 positive granny.

Dr Rabanyana also reported a shortage of isolation centres as the spike in the cases surges. ENDS