Municipal Employees Sensitized on Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination
As a caring Municipality and as part of its employee health and wellness programme, the Municipal Council of Manzini last Friday facilitated yet another Covid-19 sensitization session for all employees. The session was, amongst others, aimed at debunking circulating myths regarding vaccinations for Covid-19, educating them on the different variants of the virus as well as proactively preparing them for the possible 3rd wave of the global pandemic. Renowned medical practitioner Dr Jonathan Dlamini facilitated the awareness session. This initiative is in line with the national Government’s embracing of the nationwide voluntary Covid-19 vaccination; which exercise is aimed at achieving herd immunity in the Kingdom. Even at the global level, many countries have rolled out nationwide vaccination; the intent being achievement of herd immunity. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines herd immunity (also referred to as population immunity) as ‘the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune’.
The WHO further states that herd immunity against Covid-19 should be achieved by protecting people through vaccination. In his presentation, the medical doctor was emphatic on the importance of employees and the general members of the public continuing to practice the Covid-19 preventative measures in order to contribute to a national effort towards suppressing possibilities of the 3rd wave of the virus in the Kingdom. These measures include wearing a face mask at all times, washing hands with soap and running water as frequently as possible, rubbing hands using a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitiser and keeping a safe physical distance of at least one metre from one another; both during and outside working hours. Dr Dlamini also encouraged the employees to take the Covid-19 vaccine when such opportunity got to be availed to them; adding that it was important that the country achieved herd immunity. He clarified that it was incorrect to assume that people who took the vaccine would not contract the virus but stated that the vaccine reduced its severity and drastically lessened the possibility of Covid-19 induced death. A number of Covid-19 vaccines have been created and endorsed by health experts globally. At the moment the Kingdom of Eswatini has rolled out a phased nationwide vaccination exercise; starting with Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Health workers and the elderly have so far been covered in the ongoing vaccination rollout and other segments of the population will follow thereafter.
…EMPLOYEES’ QUESTIONS ON COVID-19 VACCINE, 3rd WAVE ANSWERED
Like many other people in general, employees of the Municipal Council of Manzini had questions about the 3rd wave and the Covid-19 vaccines; and these were answered by medical practitioner Dr Jonathan Dlamini during a sensitisation session held last Friday. The following is a highlight of the interaction and the Municipality is of the view that publishing it might be useful even to the reader;
QUESTION 1: How long will the vaccine last in the body?
RESPONSE: It is estimated to range from 6 to 12 months.
QUESTION 2: It appears there is uncertainty about Eswatini getting the second dose of Oxford–AstraZeneca? What can you say?
RESPONSE: As far as we know, there is no need to panic. The Government of Eswatini has promised that the second dose of the vaccine will be available. Those who have taken the first jab will get the second one at the appointed time.
QUESTION 3: There are fears that the vaccine is a way-paver for the 666 Mark of the Beast as stated in the Holy Bible. What is your take on this statement?
RESPONSE: My Holy Bible says the 666 mark will be on the forehead and hand. The Covid-19 vaccine is injected in the arm.
QUESTION 4: In your presentation you speak of herd immunity. What is it and what is its significance?
RESPONSE: Herd immunity is when 65% of the total population has vaccinated for a virus. The virus cannot spread when a majority of the population has vaccinated against it. Some countries globally have already achieved herd immunity hence they have relaxed the Covid-19 restrictions far more than Eswatini has. Therefore, it is important that more and more Emaswati take the vaccine so that we also achieve herd immunity and possibly escape subsequent Covid-19 waves.
…ILLEGAL DUMPING AN OFFENCE, PLEASE USE THE DUMPSITE
The Municipal Council of Manzini notes with concern continued acts of illegal dumping in the urban area. Often times construction vehicles are spotted by residents dumping construction waste material on undeveloped plots, ravines and other open spaces. The Municipality takes this opportunity to remind members of the public that illegal dumping is a crime that carries heavy fines.
According to the Litter Regulations of 2011, a person who is found dumping waste where it is not supposed to can be fined a minimum of E5,000 as a spot fine. However, the Courts of law can fine the offender far more than E5,000. Other acts of illegal dumping are carried out by domestic workers after cleaning the yard. This illegal practice is also discouraged and offenders can also be subjected to a similar fine. People who have bulk waste are encouraged to obtain services of a skip bin from the Municipality. The service only costs E100. Those who do not afford to hire a skip bin (the large open-topped waste container) are notified that they are permitted to transport their waste to the Municipality’s Controlled Dumpsite. The dumpsite is open daily, between 7:30am and 4:30pm including weekends and public holidays. At the moment there is no cost attached to dumping waste at the dumpsite. However, it must be noted that only people who reside within the Manzini urban area are allowed to do so.
