Wisakile Mwanjali
E MPUMALANGA clinic sister-incharge Sindiso Mhlanga says the upsurge in shebeens in Hwange is likely to exacerbate the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Sister Mhlanga said the illegal home beer drinking spots popularly known as shebeens are increasingly becoming epicentres for the spread of the respiratory disease.
There has been a tremendous increase in the number of shebeens in Hwange urban notably in Empumalanga and at Hwange Colliery Company Limited and National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) concession areas since March last year.
Unscrupulous residents took advantage of the closure of licensed beer selling outlets owing to Government’s national lock regulations to open illegal drink holes at their homes.
“Crowding in a room as is the case at most shebeens increases the risk of one contracting Covid-19 because there won’t be any form of social distancing. Covid-19 can be transmitted through saliva droplets when one is in close contact with someone with respiratory signs or symptoms,” said Sister Mhlanga.
The health care expert also said drinking from the same container also increases chances of one infected with the coronavirus. “Sharing of beer from the same container is discouraged as Covid-19 can be transmitted indirectly through formites in the environment of an infected person and also there’s evidence that the virus has been found in human faeces,” said Sister Mhlanga.
Ward 14 Councillor Albert Vendasi Sibanda reiterated Sister Mhlanga’s sentiments and further hinted that the private binging places can also lead to the spread of other communicable diseases.
“The number of sheebens in my area of jurisdiction is scary despite the fact that it’s a relatively small place and with the advent of Covid-19 lives are at risk. “Apart from Covid-19 people frequenting these places are at risk of getting infected by other communicable diseases such as TB (tuberculosis),” he said. Source: Hwange Newsletter.
