South Africa prepares to enter its eigth week in lockdown and the value of healthcare professionals in the fight against COVID-19 has become more apparent. Medical workers are making their way across the country to conduct thousands of tests a day, one of the most important steps in determining the number of people infected with the Coronavirus and curbing its spread. As these essential service providers work themselves ragged to help the country deal with the unprecedented pandemic, we, Total in South Africa wanted to contribute.
At Total, We recognise that the mobility of these workers is paramount in reaching all areas of the country that may be affected, which was why we approached the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and the South African Red Cross Society to find out how we could help.
The NHLS was tasked by the Department of Health to conduct virus screenings in various communities countrywide, using 67 mobile testing units that, of course, require fuel. Because of this, we offered to donate fuel to help keep these medical heroes on the move, and we will be providing fuel cards to the NHLS to support them.
“It is critical for us to do our bit to help fighting the spread of the COVID-19 disease. Supporting the NHLS by keeping our country’s mobile testing stations on the roads and testing far and wide, helps record and report daily figures of new infections, recoveries and deaths and therefore helps knowing, controlling and reducing the extent of the virus,” said Total South Africa MD&CEO, Mariam Kane-Garcia.
Meanwhile, as the Red Cross continues to support disaster management efforts countrywide, the private sector has stepped in to help them minimise the spread of COVID-19. Total has joined to the efforts of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa which made available 11 vehicles to the Red Cross, in order to keep its staff as mobile as possible as they visit critical areas to engage with – and educate – communities on how the virus is transmitted and how to avoid risky behaviour that could escalate the number of infections. As a gesture to show our appreciation for their hard work, Total South Africa has also donated fuel cards to keep the Red Cross’ new fleet going.
“The South African Red Cross Society’s work has always played a significant role and their education and awareness campaigns to help assist people in far-away or rural areas will help prevent further COVID-19 outbreak,” said Kane-Garcia.
Total in Africa will continue to find ways to do its part during this unprecedented time and is confident that the efforts of the medical and community workers who are demonstrating hard work and dedication will be recognised.
For anyone wishing to assist medical workers during the COVID-19 crisis, Gift of the Givers has set up a fund for doctors and nurses in Intensive Care Units countrywide. To donate to this cause, visit:
www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/coronavirus-support
To receive updates, news and information on the COVID-19 situation in South Africa, visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za or WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 123 456. You may also contact the national institute for communicable diseases (NICD) hotline on 0800 029 999.