When the Covid19 virus outbreak started spreading rapidly from China to the rest of the world, I started to look into ways of how amateur radio could render a useful service to Africa but also to the rest of the Globe during this pandemic.
I looked at many options which included HF Radio, Echolink, AREDN etc. The aim was not to communicate with only radio amateurs but to the Government of South Africa, Department of Health, General Public and all other Roll Players.
It was clear from the onset that radio communications would limited the amount of people that would have access to vital and life saving information. Amateur Radio had to play another and new roll during this pandemic and it must be a vital one. I decided to use social media, aka Twitter.
It had to reflect the fact that the Twitter account and information posted was provided by Amateur Radio. I could not sit and watch and “play” radio while people were dying. Amateur Radio had to play its part in curbing and lower the curve to prevent the virus from spreading so rapidly and to keep the people informed about the virus.
I created the account Covid-19 South Africa @CovidAfrica https://twitter.com/CovidAfrica and the rest is history. Amateur Radio once more show that it can render a useful non radio service during Disasters and even Pandemics.
We need to adapt to changing circumstances and if need be use social media to promote amateur radio but also to render a useful service. Some might not agree but a poll currently running showed that Covid-19 South Africa @CovidAfrica is providing a useful service.
Johan Terblanche ZS1I
Mossel Bay
South Africa
