Saturday 24th October 2020
Since very early in the morning some eighty (80) plus volunteers and staff of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles, RCSS, have been mobilized and dispatched to the twenty-six (26) voting stations on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
Even if people were advised on the need to bring enough water and to have a proper meal before heading to the polls, a lot did not heed the advice; as in the first few hours we had reports of fainting, dehydration and a few with other underlying health problems.
Volunteers have been providing first Aid and ambulance services, safety/social distancing, ensure that a high level of hygiene is observed at all times especially during the COVID 19 pandemic.
Volunteers encountered a few challenges among which is the availability of designated areas to set up base for the provision of First Aid. Other setbacks also included logistics support, not enough water and ice to assist those in need, and people who have been standing in the queue for long hours in the sun refused to wear masks. In these cases, volunteers ensured that social distancing is maintained.
The NS will also be on standby at its Headquarters, Providence until after the election results have been given and the next day as well. Whereas the volunteers will be on standby at their homes.
