Physiotherapist volunteer Terry Rogan takes Josephine Kunene, who is hooked up to supplementary oxygen, through a series of exercises to aid recovery at the Nasrec field hospital.

(Photo: Chris Collingridge)

On Friday 21 August, the Gauteng Provincial Command Council gave its latest update on the provinces Covid-19 response as the country went into Level 2 lockdown.

Human Settlements MEC Lebogang Maile gave an update on the ward-based war rooms that have been set up in the province following a need for a strong municipal focus to combat Covid-19.

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He said the aim of this approach was to accelerate service delivery and greater efficiency in implementing local government projects. Fulfilling the mandate of these war rooms were 350 community development workers, 1,078 community health workers and 30,000 other community workers.

Education head of department, Edward Mosuwe, gave a summary of the social relief efforts the province had been undertaking. He said that during lockdown Levels 5, 4 and 3, the province had distributed 485,000 food parcels which benefited over two million people.

Furthermore, 273 food gardens had been established, some of them at schools. An additional 62 gardens would be added soon.

In terms of education, he said that under Level 2, more learners were now going back to school, and the department was prioritising health and safety for the over 1.5 million learners resuming classes.

He reported that 99% of regular schools were open, as well as 78% of special needs schools. Mosuwe added that schools not yet open were still closed as a result of reported Covid-19 cases.

He said everything was on track for the matric class of 2020 to write their final exams on 5 November and finish on 15 December, with results expected out on 23 February 2021.

Head of the law enforcement and compliance department, Tilda Gasela, said there would be continued vigilance and monitoring of compliance with regulations, especially in identified hotspots. She said her department had been educating people on the regulations.

Gasela said Park Station had been identified as a hotspot and that a compliance notification had been issued to the Metrorail CEO. She warned that officials would be conducting unannounced spot checks, particularly on businesses that sold alcohol for both on and off site consumption.

The Gauteng health department report said the daily Covid-19 infection rates had now decreased from an average of 7,000 to just over 3,000. There was, however, a concern that some patients were presenting themselves late to health facilities, or ignoring symptoms entirely.

Hypertension was identified as a leading contributor to deaths in the province, accounting for 24% of fatalities. This was followed by diabetes at 14%.

Gauteng has not reduced testing despite a drop in infections. The province is responsible for 33% of all tests done nationwide.

The report also showed that the rate of hospitalisation had dropped significantly, and it was hoped that Covid-19 patients would eventually account for fewer than 1,000 of those hospitalised. The department also says it is monitoring PPE stock on an ongoing basis, using the Impilo app.

A total of 7,336 public officials (including health workers and educators) have tested positive since March. They and their families are receiving psycho-social support, as determined by WHO guidelines, and will continue to do so even beyond Covid-19.

All public buildings were undergoing continuing decontamination and public servants were observing medical surveillance protocols in the form of daily screenings and testing referrals.

Asked what will happen to field hospitals like the Nasrec facility, health department head, Prof Mkhululi Lukhele, said Nasrec will remain as it is in case of an anticipated second wave of the disease.

On the issue of health department officials who have been suspended on suspicion of corruption, Lukhele said investigations will be continuing over a period of 60 days.

As of 20 August in Gauteng, there were 202,955 reported cases of Covid-19 and 169,299 recoveries. DM/MC

Healthy eating is important before and after pregnancy. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients to aid pregnancy and boost sperm production.

Although there might be many factors contributing to infertility in women, eating the right foods can help you get pregnant faster.

trying to conceive, incorporate green leafy vegetables in your diet because it is rich in folic acid and iron.

Green leafy vegetables

Green veggies such as spinach and lettuce aid the development of a strong endometrial lining (the inner lining of the uterus), iron help in the attachment of zygote to the uterus.

Cabbage

You literally dont have an option if you want a baby. Try cabbage recipes because it contains di-indole methane, a chemical that plays a key role in estrogen metabolism thereby preventing the formation of fibroids and endometriosis.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, grapes are essential for healthy growth. Women who are trying to conceive should make it an indispensable part of their diet.

The high content of vitamin C aids in the release of the egg from the ovaries.

Banana

According to research, women with a regular menstrual cycle have a lower risk of infertility and pregnancy complications.

Hence, women planning to conceive are advised to eat bananas for their high content of vitamin B6.

This vitamin is essential for the regular menstrual cycle and thus, improves fertility.

Pineapple

Pineapple is loaded with high amounts of manganese, a mineral that plays a key role in the production of various reproductive hormones. Manganese is a mineral that helps form bone and cartilage. It also helps protect cells from damage and activates the enzymes that play a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen, hence one of the superfoods for fertility.

Hoping to be a new mom, eating one egg or more a day can boost fertility because they are rich in choline, folic, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

Salmon

Salmon is the best fish for every meal whether soup or stew for the whole family. It is highly nutritious, delicious, and affordable.This fertility superfood is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients that play a key role in boosting fertility in women.

Olive oil

Olive oil is widely used for maintaining a healthy heart and body is well-known. But, the presence of monounsaturated fats in this oil reduces inflammation in the body and thus, aids in a complication-free pregnancy