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DOCTOR Elago Mbadhi of Empathy Klinic at Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay, has urged holidaymakers and locals at the coast to “avoid drinking and driving and practise safe sex” during the festive season.

This comes as the Erongo region’s health and paramedic services are readying for the anticipated pressure on the health sector during the festive season.

Mbadhi said people often neglect their health and safety during this time of the year, which sees an increase in the demand for medical services.

He urged the public to minimise casualties and enjoy the festive season responsibly.

“If you realised that you have engaged in risky sexual activities, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are the game changers in HIV prevention if you make a timely presentation to health providers. Put protection on that erection,” he said.

Gabriela Teleman of St Gabriel Community Services, an emergency service operator at Walvis Bay, has appealed to motorists to be careful to avoid compromising their safety ahead of the festive season.

“Caring is the best thing that we can do to make a difference. We must learn to care. We are too selfish, we don’t think about the way we are driving, talking, and the way we approach things. We are very selfish,” she said.

She urged motorists to avoid drinking and driving, as the loss of lives on the roads places a burden on those left behind.

The hospital manager at Welwitschia Hospital at Walvis Bay, Stephan Nel, said this time of the year often sees an increase in quad bike accidents.

“We also see more clients with burn wounds from recreational fires, especially fireworks. On the medical side, we tend to have more admission with gastroenteritis, we tend to see more people with allergic reactions and last but not least, myocardial infarctions (heart attacks),” he said.

Covid-19 aside, Nel said it is always good to maintain good hand hygiene.

“Wear a mask when you have symptoms like a runny nose or coughing. In warmer weather and being outside more than usual, it is even more important to drink lots of water and apply sunscreen. Always try to make responsible decisions and look out for each other. Do not drink and drive,” he said.

The region’s health director Anna Jonas said public emergency services are ready and the district hospital will put measures in place to ensure all the critical areas are covered.

“Ambulances will never be enough until we receive new ones. However, district hospitals are arranging for stakeholders’ engagement, requesting them to collaborate during the festive season, especially the ones involved in emergency services and ambulance services,” she said.