Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) members have pleaded with other vendors and informal traders to adhere to the COVID -19 World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, in order to protect themselves and their family members from contracting the virus, as Bulawayo turns into an epicenter of COVID-19 infections in the country.
Nqobile Ndlovu a BVTA member who resides in Magwegwe told the Vendors Voice that people should value life, protect their family members, avoid mingling with people unless if it is necessary and wash hands with soap regularly and wear masks in public areas.
“We encourage people to avoid mingling, although we are aware it is difficult to follow WHO guidelines if a person works with the public like us vendors and informal traders”, said Tinashe Gwena who is also a member of BVTA from Cowdray- Park.
BVTA members said that people should visit official pages that contain correct information about COVID-19 in order to stay informed.
Bulawayo cases of COVID -19 shot to 231, raising fears of a likely carnage. Health workers are encouraging people to follow COVID-19 prevention measures to curb the rapid spread of the virus.
BVTA also encourages vendors and informal traders to abide by COVID-19 WHO recommended measures which are: to wash hands with soap or sanitize hands, wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing and minimizing unnecessary movements.