Mobile Telecommunications Company, MTC, has just announced an aggressive response strategy to help fight Coronavirus. The plan will be funded with an amount of N$1 million dollars that will be distributed to different critical areas as per the strategy.
MTC’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Licky Erastus said, “Whilst we have implemented a wide range of precautionary measures to protect our employees and by extension their families so that we assure their peace of mind at work and at home, we are however aware that our responsibility cannot stop with our employees only, hence why we are making available an amount of N$1 million Namibian dollars with an effective well-crafted strategy to assist fellow Namibians during this difficult time.
- INFORMATION SHARING
The sharing of correct and accurate information about the coronavirus is of paramount importance. With an estimated population of over 2.4 million people, we believe that information needs to go out fast and MTC has therefore committed to the following;
- MTC will assist in information sharing by sending text messages to all our 2.5 million subscribers on a weekly basis;
- MTC has committed to free usage of its Emergency Response application called “Save my City” which the Ministry of Health can use for instant news notifications and warning signs around the coronavirus. This app is interactive where users can also report on it and we consider the app the best means to dispel fake news around the virus. Customers will be able to download the app for free and it becomes an interactive way to communicate with the nation;
- MTC has also committed to making its 24-hour Call Centre available with staff members so that Namibians can get assistance on a 24-hour basis should they require any information;
- MTC has ever since zero-rated all calls to the national emergency response number 0800100100;
- MTC will soon run a social media educational campaign that will get people engaged and educated by tracking discussions around the virus.
- EDUCATION
Continuous education and information sharing on coronavirus remains important. People should know what they must do if they suspect they have the virus. People should be able to identify with the symptoms. People must know how to wear a mask correctly, and what are the do’s and don’ts during the lockdown. MTC has therefore committed to;
- Share as much educational material and information which will be sent to all our customers via text message;
- Post as many educational videos on our website and platforms to educate and empower our people.
- PREVENTION
To date, we are aware that people can take various precautionary measures which have widely been communicated through our platforms. While these measures are clear, not all Namibians can afford to buy soap, sanitizers, etc to protect themselves. Fellow Namibians, especially in informal settlements and the public transport sector, remains vulnerable. With the implementation of the 14 days lockdown, not all families will have enough food to sustain themselves during the 14 days. These challenges are real.
MTC has therefore committed to the following;
- To assist vulnerable communities with precautionary items such as soap, sanitizers, etc;
- To assist vulnerable communities with food parcels, mobile toilets, etc during the lockdown period so that they have something to eat and keep their immune systems strong.
- FACILITIES
MTC is aware that medical personnel will require testing and protective equipment. There is a need to upgrade existing quarantine facilities and erect new ones where people who test positive can be isolated with dignity and recover in the best possible condition. The smooth recovery of Namibians who tested positive is just as important as preventing more positive cases. MTC has therefore committed to;
- Investing in the required and most pressing facilities and equipment that will assist our medical personnel in the execution of their duties;
- Assist medical personnel with airtime to ensure they remain connected at all times as they fight this virus
- SERVICE DELIVERY
While we are cognisant that we have a global crisis on our hands, we urge all Namibians to remain calm but vigilant. We must all follow the precautionary measures and not take this virus for granted. While the majority of our citizens will self-isolate, they will require our services and we have therefore committed to;
- Assisting corporates with the required home connectivity solutions to allow their employees to work from home;
- Ensure that all our services remain available for 24 hours including our Call Centre;
- Encouraging customers to transact online as opposed to visiting our shops and
- Keeping the nation connected.
MTC is proud to make this contribution and we encourage like-minded organizations in the telecommunications sector, fishing sector, financial sector, insurance sector, and all other sectors to make bold moves and put people before profit so that this great nation overcome this virus.