Andrew Stegmann

African e-Learning App to Help Fight Coronavirus

Kenya-based NGO Amref Health Africa has launched the Jibu app, a mobile learning platform to provide real-time information and learning opportunities to health workers and medical students.

The organisation acknowledges the role the app could play in helping to curb the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Users can engage the app to register for courses, take tests and secure certification. It will also be updated with the latest medical treatment and related information to support qualified health workers.

It took developer Rafael Muia a year to design, develop, test, pilot and implement the app, which is now available for both Android and iOS smartphone users to download and use on mobile devices.

The release of the technology could not be more timely, given the worldwide focus – and ongoing reaction to COVID-19.

Muia says: “This is a great app that can be used as a go-to place for up-to-date, authentic COVID-19 information and safety practice on avoidance, prevention and contamination control eLearning content once it is live.”

Currently, more than 2700 health workers across 15 African countries can access 41 courses that have been uploaded and more courses are scheduled to be added on demand and when opportunities arise.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: Kimberly Farmer [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

Benin: COVID-19 Status

Authorities in Benin announced on Monday, March 23, that starting from Monday, March 30, quarantines will be put in place around most affected cities, including Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Allada, Ouidah, Sèmè-Podji, Porto-Novo, Akpro-Missérété, and Adjarra to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). People within these cities will only be allowed to move for essential reasons (health, food supply). As such, all public transportation will be suspended until further notice.

School holidays have been declared from March 30, until Monday, April 13. People are being advised to minimize their movements within the country and to avoid gatherings on public places (beaches, public squares). Land border crossings have also been limited; only necessary crossings agreed with neighbouring countries will be allowed. Strict control measures have been implemented at border checkpoints. Travelers entering Benin by air must undergo a 14-days quarantine.

As of Tuesday, March 24, there five cases of COVID-19 in the country. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context
The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice
Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.

• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.

• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

VFS South Africa Update

Please see below the update that Relocation Africa received from VFS South Africa, detailing the procedures they will be taking during the lock-down.

As recent measures are put into place by our honourable President Ramaphosa to help flatten the curve of the covid-19 pandemic, the following operational plan will be in effect. 

  • Wednesday 25th March 2020 will be the last day of submissions –no critical skills, general work and business visa related applications will be accepted on this day for temporary residence permits only. 
  • Thursday will be the last day for collections, collections times 10:00 to 15:00
  • Any walk-ins that have visa’s expiring tomorrow or during the lockdown will be turned away. We will prioritize scheduled appointments and appeal related applications only. 
  • DHA have authourized all those holding visa’s expiring during the lockdown period commencing tomorrow will not require a good cause letter when we return to full operations.

It is no secret on what we are dealing with, we are all at risk if not dealt with accordingly. We urge you as professionals to reduce crowding in centres as we will be monitoring traffic. 

VFS reopening will be dependent on the department’s decision to be made soon.  Communication will be made via all channels on complete reopening and strategy for submissions. 

Our sincere apologies for the delayed email but discussions had to be made. 

Thank you for understanding and stay safe!

For any queries, please contact VFS directly. You can visit their website here.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

South Africa’s Lock-down Explained

South Africa will be going into a 21-day national lock-down, beginning at midnight on Thursday 26th March. To clarify, Thursday will be the final “normal” workday for South Africans, and the lock-down will begin on Thursday night. The lock-down will end at midnight on Thursday 16th April, so the first standard workday will be Friday 17th April.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has made exceptions for certain businesses to remain open during the lock-down period, including drug stores, grocery stores, and banks. While people may be panic buying at present, the government has assured everyone that this is not necessary, as normal the supply of goods will remain during the period.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defense Force (SANDF) will be patrolling to ensure that the lock-down rules are adhered to. This is South Africa’s opportunity to “flatten the curve” – stemming the rapid spread of COVID-19. If we work together, we can reduce the infection rate, and work towards restoring normality.

Anyone found to be breaking the rules of the lock-down could be imprisoned. Please follow the President’s instructions and remain at home.

To track the spread of the virus, click here. And for information about coronavirus from the WHO, click here. Below are some infographics explaining the SA lock-down.

Please note that Relocation Africa staff will be working from home during the lock-down period. Our landline will be down, but we will be contactable via email.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].