Hordes of City employees classified as category A essential service workers responded emphatically to screening and testing for Covid-19 symptoms on Friday, 8 May across municipal offices in Johannesburg.
The screening and testing is part of the Office of the Gauteng Premier’s mass roll-out of precautionary measures to curb the virus from spreading in government institutions in the province.
The programme is administered by the Gauteng Transversal Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP).
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Corporate and Shared Services, Councillor Loyiso Masuku noted that essential service workers interact with the public every day, that’s why it’s paramount they all get tested.
“We also do this to arrest any anxiety that our employees may experience about returning to work. The City has an employee assistance programme for those who may be affected by Covid-19,” she said.
Makusu, who led by example when she took a test at City Power's Reuven Wellness Clinic, said she was impressed by the number of employees who took the opportunity to screen for the pandemic.
Health screenings have been split into two categories, comprising A and B, with the former encompassing essential service workers, security personnel, and general as well as support staff who have been returning to work under level 4 lockdown regulations since Monday, 4 May.
The screening and testing of Category B personnel – mostly officials working from home – will be conducted when these employees return to work post the lockdown.
The Executive Mayor, Cllr Geoff Makhubo also expressed his gratitude to City employees who are working tirelessly to fight against Covid-19.
“I would like to thank all the staff in the frontline for your selfless service to the City in ensuring that our municipality [tackles this pandemic] in a systematic way.”
In addition, the Minister of Public Service and Administration, Senzo Mchunu said at a national government media briefing on Friday that it was time for public servants to be patriotic and go above and beyond the call of duty.
“This applies to both elected and appointed public servants in the public service and in the public sector at large; it’s not about the [position] you hold, rather about what you can do to help,” said Mchunu.
Provincial and local government employees who want more information about the mass screening and testing campaign can contact Mandu Menze 076 447 7973 or email menyezwa.menze@gauteng.gov.za.
Written by Takalani Sioga
