Fatima Sookharia | 20 March 2020 | Featured Image: Google
With the increasing number of Covid-19 virus cases being reported over the past two weeks, South Africans have been caught in a frenzy of both panic and an information overload not knowing what to accept as truth. Awareness of this virus is key in understanding the necessary precautions one needs to take in preventing the spread of this virus. President Cyril Ramaphosa described the worldwide pandemic as a “medical emergency far graver than what we have experienced in over a century.”
Social distancing and working remotely have been recommended so that we can “flatten the curve” in the spread of the virus. For many South Africans, however, this is not possible with the vast majority not able to work remotely in earning their living. This puts most of us in a much-compromised position where great precaution and good hygiene are of grave importance.
Soap has proven to be the weapon most effective in taking precautions against the Covid-19 virus. It is with this in mind that Salaam Foundation has embarked on a campaign aimed at providing a simple bar of soap and an information leaflet translated in different languages on the importance of washing your hands to the most vulnerable in society.
Medical experts have been saying that using soap and water is best in taking precautions against the fast-spreading coronavirus. “Following simple handwashing practices is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infections,” says Theresa M. Michele, MD, of the FDA’s Division of Nonprescription Drug Products. “We can’t advise this enough. It’s simple, and it works.” Using products like sanitizers might give people a false sense of security, if you use these products because you think they protect you more than soap and water, that’s not correct.”
According to the Food and Drug Administration, antibacterial soap might sound like a silver bullet on the surface, but according to the research, there’s no evidence to suggest that it’s any better at killing the virus than standard soap. The reason soap is so effective against viruses is that it tears them apart.
One thing about Covid-19 that is certain is that it has bought the world to its knees and we will all have to work together in taking the necessary precautions to contain the spread.
Donate soap bars to Salaam Foundation:
92 Xavier Street, Robertsham
For information on any of the other drop-off points, please click on the link below:
https://salaamedia.com/portfolio/sanitary-drive-we-are-collecting-soap-bars/
Or
Contribute towards purchases
Salaam Foundation
FNB
62669147665
Branch 250 737
Ref: Covid-19 + name