Tygerberg Hospital was initially the designated COVID-19 hospital in the Western Cape at the start of the pandemic and has assisted the Western Cape department of health in launching a successful response to the pandemic. Many seriously ill COVID-19 patients have been successfully treated at Tygerberg hospital.

Astron Energy, South Africa's #2 petroleum company with a network of over 850 Caltex-branded service stations, committed to the gifting of the care packs as part of efforts to support and thank the dedicated COVID-19 health care workers.

Astron Energy Head of Corporate Affairs Jill Koopman said: “The pandemic has deeply impacted all of our lives, but I don’t think we can fully comprehend the enormous toll this has taken on our healthcare workers who are at the coalface day after day after day.

“Mental wellbeing is important for all of us during these desperately trying times, particularly as we deal with the third wave,” Koopman said. “This is even more so for the healthcare sector who have to not only deal with their own fears and those of their loved ones, but those of their patients and the families of those patients.”

Global studies have shown how critical maintaining the mental health of frontline medical workers are in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. Medical staff often express feelings of being overwhelmed, demoralised, anxious, burnt out and afraid.

Koopman added: “Providing these care packs is an extension of support for these critical workers. This is us saying thank you for all that you do for all of us each day.”

The care packs contain hot chocolate, herbal tea, a selection of healthy snacks, a notepad and pen; all packed in a handy drawstring bag.

Tygerberg Hospital Senior Manager: Nursing Services, Francilene Marthinus, said: “We wish to thank Astron Energy and everyone else who commits to supporting our frontline healthcare workers during this time. It is knowing that they are valued and supported that helps them to keep going in this battle against the pandemic.”

She urged everyone to continue to adhere to lockdown regulations and to observe health and safety protocols. “Please help us by staying safe and protecting others during this time.”

Astron Energy has donated in excess of R3 million in coronavirus relief efforts across South Africa. This has included PCR testing kits through Gift of the Givers, and working alongside Food Forward SA, Rise Against Hunger and Country Duty to provide hundreds of thousands of meals and food vouchers to communities in need.