Despite predictions that the third wave of COVID-19 would not be as bad as the second wave in South Africa, this was not the case. At its peak, daily infection rates were higher than both of the previous waves and South Africa faced challenges with shortages of hospital beds that previously we were fortunate enough to manage well before.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the fact that many more individuals were affected by this wave, was felt much closer to home than before as well. “Individuals that many employees knew and even some of our own employees were affected. As a company we were very fortunate to escape transmission of COVID-19 up until this wave. We were still fortunate in that the virus did not spread through the company but was transferred through loved ones.
“At the height of the third wave, the strain that this placed on all sectors of society was evident. The ease of transmission of the Delta variant leaves entire homes infected. Pharmacies and grocery delivery services were inundated and life was difficult for the many families falling ill during the third wave.”
MasterDrive wanted to take steps to show their support of employees and other families affected and the care package ideas was formed. “The team made the ‘MasterDrive Care Package.’ In this we added some medications commonly recommended to treat COVID-19. We included some healthy snack options that would be easy to prepare when you feel under the weather. There were also some treats and chocolates in the care package for an endorphin boost to help all get through the difficult time they were facing.
“It was a small gesture on our part and we did not expect the gratitude expressed. One employee noted that some of their medication was about to run out and the four-day waiting period that pharmacies had at that point would have created difficulties for them. In turn, we were extremely grateful that we could provide this source of relief to some families.”
The third wave is not yet over and we can expect more people to be affected by the virus. “If you do encounter someone who is affected, keep in mind some of the challenges these individuals and their families may be facing and try be that source of relief and comfort for them. We are experiencing a difficult period in South Africa where empathy and kindness can go a long way in helping each other through it,” says Herbert.
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