2nd Wave: Manzini Citizens Urged To Recommit to Fight Against COVID-19
- Stay home as much as possible. Avoid non-essential travel
- Wear face mask at all times
- Practice physical distancing of at least 1-metre
- Frequently wash hands with soap and running water. Alternatively, use a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitiser
The Municipal Council of Manzini implores all citizens to recommit to the fight against the Covid-19 virus which continues to claim lives in the Kingdom of Eswatini and globally. With the 2nd wave upon us, citizens of the City of Manzini and the nation at large are urged to double their effort at practising the Covid-19 preventative measures. The only way citizens will suppress the rising rate of Covid-19 infections is if they make it a point that they keep themselves and those around them safe. Wearing of face mask at all times remains a must for all citizens of the city. Appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal of the face mask is also essential. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) people are urged to clean their hands before putting their face masks on, before and after taking it off as well as after touching it for any reason. It is also proper that the face mask is put on such that it covers the nose, mouth and chin. When taking the face mask off, store it in a clean plastic bag; and on a daily basis wash it (if it is a fabric mask) or dispose of it in a litter bin (if it is a medical mask). As advised by WHO, the use of face masks that have valves should be avoided at all times.
Maintaining at least a 1-metre physical distance from the next person is also important. It reduces the risk of infection when an infected person next to you coughs, sneezes or speaks. It is also important to avoid crowds by all means possible as well as ensure rooms are well ventilated. According to WHO, the risks of getting Covid-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where people spend long periods of time together in close proximity. Citizens are also urged to continue practicing the basic hygiene protocols such as regularly and thoroughly washing hands with soap and running water or alternatively rubbing them with a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitiser. This eliminates germs and viruses that may be on one’s hands. It is also important to avoid touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and in the process may pick up the virus. It is also important to frequently clean and disinfect surfaces such as door handles (even vehicle door handles), office desks and cellphones. The mouth and nose must also be covered with a bent elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing. More than anything, stay home as much as possible and only travel to town or wherever when it is essential. Minimise or avoid visits to relatives and friends until after the fight against the virus has been won.
…PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ESSENTIAL
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), physical activity remains essential even during the Covid-19 period. It is important for people of all ages and physical abilities to be as active as possible. The WHO says regular physical activity reduces high blood pressure, helps manage weight and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and various cancers; and all these health conditions increase susceptibility to Covid-19. Physical activity, according to the WHO, improves bone and muscle strength and increases balance, flexibility and fitness. “It is also good for our mental health – reducing the risk of depression, cognitive decline and delays the onset of dementia – and improve overall feelings”, advises the WHO. The World Health Organisation recommends at least 60 minutes, three times a week, of physical activity for children and adolescents; and between 150 and 300 minutes per week for adults above 18 years old.
…HEALTHY EATING A MUST
Eating a healthy diet is very important during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) what one eats and drinks can affect their body’s ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections. A healthy diet is important for supporting the immune system. “Good nutrition can also reduce the likelihood of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer”, says the WHO. It is important that people eat a variety of food, including as much fruit and vegetables as possible. The WHO further advises that people cut back on salt intake to 5 grams (equivalent to a teaspoon) per day. Also reduce the intake of fatty and oily foods. Steaming or boiling instead of frying food when cooking is recommended. The WHO also recommends a reduction in sugar intake and an increase in drinking of water. “Good hydration is crucial for optimal health. Whenever available and safe for consumption, tap water is the healthiest and cheapest drink. Drinking water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages is a simple way to limit your intake of sugar and excess calories”, says the WHO.
…REMEMBER: SELL WASTE TO MANZINI BUY-BACK-CENTRE, MAKE MONEY
Manzini residents and those from surrounding areas are reminded of an opportunity to make money by selling recyclable waste to the newly established Manzini Buy-Back-Centre. A Buy-Back-Centre is a facility that buys recyclable waste from members of the public and payment is done instantly. The Manzini Buy-Back-Centre is already operational and opens on weekdays (7:30am to 5pm) and Saturdays (8am to 1pm). It is located opposite the Manzini SEDCO estate and below the municipal abattoir. Individual citizens, business establishments and schools, amongst other waste generators, are encouraged to make use of the facility for disposal of recyclable waste material and to generate income. The facility accepts a variety of recyclable waste material including paper (e.g. old newspapers, old books and exercise books), cartons, plastic bottles (preferably clear bottles), tins (e.g. soft drink and beer cans as well as paint containers), old car batteries, steel waste, corrugated iron sheets and vehicle body metal, glass bottles (e.g. beer bottles and soft drink bottles), roof tiles (e.g. harvey and concrete tiles), clear plastic bags (e.g. cement and furniture wrap) and scrap vehicles.
However, material such as fire extinguishers, copper wire, water taps and water meter, gas cylinders, manholes, street lights, road signs, guardrails, vehicle tyres, window panes, cooking oil bottles and wood products (e.g. old furniture) is not acceptable at the facility. For clarity or more information, the company that is running the Buy-Back-Centre in the form of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Municipal Council of Manzini, A.M.Z. Recycling, may be contacted on 7631 1571/7631 4731/7673 8493.
