STATEMENT BY BRETT HERRON, GOOD MEMBER OF THE PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT
19 March 2020
WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT COVID-19 CONTAINMENT PLAN
WE ALL NEED TO PLAY BY THE RULES AND POLITICAL LEADERS MUST PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACH
We thank the Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament for convening a united front of all political parties represented in the provincial legislature.
We face an unprecedented medical emergency. The President has called on all South Africans to rise to the occasion.
Those of us who have the privilege to serve as public representatives must practice what we preach.
Our actions must demonstrate that we are eliminating non-essential gatherings, cancelling non-essential travel, practising good personal hygiene and limiting contact with others by social distancing.
When we become aware that we may have been exposed to the virus then we have a duty to lead by example and implement measures we expect others to implement. Regardless of whether we are symptomatic or not.
This means we must immediately self-isolate. If we develop symptoms we must get tested.
We note that the MEC for Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, was exposed to a person who has tested positive for the virus and that she is self-isolating and has been tested for the virus. We commend her for her leadership and we wish her well.
Any person who has been exposed to Dr Mbombo should immediately self-isolate.
There should be no exceptions for political leaders. This is the time to rise to the occasion and demonstrate the leadership we need to see in action.
The State of Disaster regulations have now been published. The regulations are far reaching and none of us are exempt from them.
If we all play by the rules we will be able to contain the spread of this virus and overcome it.
We share the concern of others about those of us who live in dire circumstances with poor access to water and sanitation and in overcrowded conditions. In particular those in informal settlements and backyards.
Our governments and employers must prioritise the health and well-being of those families who cannot easily self-isolate or practise social distancing.