The best gift we can receive and give during this festive season under the cloud of Coronavirus, is the gift of caring for the safety of each other.
Stop the spread. Don’t think masks are for losers. Don’t be a mampara.
This is the appeal from The Solidarity Fund at a time when the country reports a frightening surge in Coronavirus infections and as many South Africans get set to travel, celebrate and reconnect with friends and family over the December / January period.
The festive season is now officially the second wave season, when the virus takes advantage of negligence, complacency and the pandemic fatigue felt by all South Africans. It is more important than ever that South Africans continue to practice responsible behaviours to slow the spread of Coronavirus. Although the economy, out of necessity, has opened up, the pandemic is still a part of our lives, and one that will be so for some time.
The Solidarity Fund has seen second waves devastate other nations, and this campaign aims to remind citizens that the most effective weapon against the virus lies with them – taking responsibility for their own behaviours by:
1. Keep wearing a mask properly (cover your nose and mouth).
2. Keep avoiding large indoor gatherings (ventilation is key).
3. Keep practicing social distancing.
“It is human nature that we are going to let our guard down as the holidays begin,” says Wendy Tlou, the Solidarity Fund’s Behavioural Change Pillar Executive Head.
“But we are appealing to and reminding everyone to keep up with the basics to stop the spread of Coronavirus. My responsibility is to protect you, your responsibility is to protect me and together we protect our country. Let’s learn to co-exist with this virus safely. Whether we are on an airplane or in a taxi, shopping in an exclusive boutique or back home with our grandparents.”
The campaign, conceptualised by Joe Public United urges us to not behave like a mampara, an ibhari, a mabena or chop. And also some entertaining (and informative) tips on how to live alongside Coronavirus – follow the hashtag #UnityInAction.
The campaign goes went live across South Africa on 18th December with TVC’s, radio, outdoor, print, digital, social media, PR and influencers – a full 360 integrated campaign to reach all citizens across our country. The Solidarity Fund was established as a rapid response vehicle to mobilise South Africa in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting health, humanitarian and social consequences. The Fund works to augment the government’s response to this unprecedented challenge by assisting existing programmes and initiatives across all nine provinces. Inspired by our nation’s resolve , unity and spirit we are committed to creating impact through our ongoing work to manage and eventually, contain this virus.
Keep wearing a mask properly. For maximum protection, wear your mask correctly.
First, wash your hands, then put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face but make sure you can still breathe easily.
Don’t be a chop and wear it under your nose or chin.
Keep avoiding large indoor gatherings (and super spreader events) where there is little ventilation and social distancing will be difficult.
It is best to avoid large indoor gatherings where it may be difficult to social distance. If you’re in a crowded space, try to keep 1.5m between yourself and others and wear a mask. Pay attention to tape markings on floors or signs on walls.
Allow other people 1.5m of space when you pass by them.
Keep social distancing.
Social distancing means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. To practice social distancing, stay at least 1.5m (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces. That means no handshakes, hugs, kisses from auntie or high fives.
Together, we can stop the spread of Coronavirus.
#UnityInAction Secondary messaging:
Keep to regular handwashing with soap and water and use of sanitiser.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, taking care to rub between your fingers and the back of your hands, the most neglected areas.
Do this after touching any surface you think anyone else has been in contact with.
Keep staying home when sick.Your immune system needs extra care during this time. No matter whether you have the common cold or the virus, isolate, contain and prevent the spread.
Keep continuing to take care of your staff.
The pandemic has brought into stark relief the gap the inequalities in wealth in South Africa. All employees, from the domestic cleaner to the bag packer at the local supermarket, are as much at risk, if not more, than any South African. Take the time to understand the situations of all. In this time, we need to take care of each other.
My responsibility is to protect you, your responsibility is to protect me and together we protect our country. Let’s learn to co-exist with this virus safely. Whether we are on an airplane or in a taxi. Consistency of behaviour is key.