WildEarth has been filming wildlife and streaming to people live from the game parks. They have attracted a massive following over the years. However, since the Corona-Virus Outbreak, they have experienced an increase in their audience, mainly Americans from South Africa and even globally. According to WildEarth’s CEO, Graham Wallington, the rise in traffic occurred towards the end of March, around a time when South Africa went on a 21 days lockdown.
WildEarth seems to be providing consolation in these depressing times. South Africa is one of the African countries that have been struck by the pandemic with over 2173 cases and 25 deaths. WildEarth uses two vehicles in two different game reserves near Kruger National Park. These game reserves are the Djuma Game Reserve and Ngala Private Game Reserve. Each car has a tour guide and a filming crew. The guide knows where to find the animals, and when they do, they give some facts about the animals when answering some audience questions. With all the lockdowns and travel limitations, the tourism industry globally is at a halt, and experts aren’t sure when things will get back to normal. Platforms such as WildEarth are ensuring that people do not miss out on the adventure.
Status of the Coronavirus in South Africa
South Africa has been in total lockdown for two weeks. The lockdown was to end after 21 days, but the president, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, has extended the lockdown to the end of April. In those two weeks, the rate of infections in this country has dramatically reduced. However, this is not a chance to relax; the health department in South Africa has been taking the time to prepare for the worst. They have been developing their wards, preparing ambulances, and making other arrangements necessary for dealing with the pandemic.
According to Stravros Nicolau, and other medical stakeholders in South Africa, it’s too early to make any conclusions based on the recent data. The latest data shows that during the lockdown, the infection rate has dropped from 42% to 4%. But as much as they would love to attribute this to the lockdown, they do not have large-scale testing, and not all infections may have been accounted for.
Myths about childhood vaccines
A section of South Africa’s population also believes that it may be hard for them to contract the Coronavirus. This is because they were vaccinated with the anti-tuberculosis vaccine, BCG. However, medical practitioners such as Doctor Boyles have shunned this as just a theory. Since no one knows what will happen next, they are doing the best to prepare their health system for a potential upsurge of infections once they have all the data.
The Take-Away
Initiatives such as WildEarth can help citizens in South Africa, and all over the world take their minds off of the negative news and misinformation already going on. People around the globe can learn two things; first, they should use media platforms to share information and also entertain healthily. Besides wildlife shows, musicians can do the same by streaming performances from their houses. Teachers can record themselves and send the recordings to students. Digital courses can be made free, or waivered during this period. This will ensure people are busy, and they will have a better place to start once the pandemic is over.
People should be prepared to take the necessary measure to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. South Africa’s data is not conclusive. However, it’s clear that extreme actions are bearing fruits in containing this pandemic. Some countries have not gone on lockdowns yet. Other countries have relaxed after experiencing a reduction in infection rates and an increase in recovery rates. Governments should take the slight break to revamp their health systems, sensitize people, and enforce strict measures.
Related post:
