The JMPD is screening and testing officers on duty as a precautionary measure to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic within the municipal police force.
Scores of JMPD officers and employees in the Public Safety department are being screened and tested in an ongoing large-scale campaign that started in Martindale, west of the Inner City on Monday, 18 May.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the novel coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through droplets of saliva when an ill speaks. Officers are being tested because their work is a frontline service, leaving them susceptible to contracting the Covid-19 pandemic when interacting with members of the public.
The Executive Mayor, Geoff Makhubo says screening and testing are critical to the City’s ability to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Our officers and officials are on the frontlines, ensuring that Covid-19 regulations are adhered to; so precautionary measures must be taken to protect them as they continue to serve residents of the City,” Tweets the JMPD.
Makhubo has reiterated the need for residents to adhere to public health regulations governing the lockdown, as the country prepares to move to a different level of restrictions aimed at curbing the uncontrollable spread of Covid-19.
“Please remember now is not a time for social gatherings, we are still on alert Level 4. Only leave your home to get essentials or when heading to work,” he says.
The Mayor adds that the City has made available 21 clinics in all seven regions as screening and testing sites for the Covid-19 pandemic, which were accessible to members of the public free-off charge.
“These 21 clinics are currently assisting us in intensifying testing and to respond rapidly to suspected cases of infections in Johannesburg,” he explains.
In addition to safety precautions, the JMPD has accepted a donation of over 15 000 double branded, three-ply facemasks from multinational telecommunications company, Motorola Solutions South Africa.
The masks, which are mandatory for all frontline staff and members of the public, will ensure officers are protected from contracting Covid-19 in the line of duty.
Motorola says as first responders, the JMPD’s bravery, humanity and dedication to Joburg communities is a heroic effort in keeping residents healthy and safe. The company says the work of law enforcement professionals is important and needs to be appreciated.
