According to mayoral spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe, the facility and the surrounding area will be properly and adequately sanitised during the period of closure in order to kill any traces of the novel coronavirus on surfaces.

The nurse had reportedly attended the prayer breakfast at the Divine Restoration Ministries in Bloemfontein on March 10. More than 60 of the 859 churchgoers who attended the prayer gathering, where five overseas visitors infected with the Covid-19 coronavirus were present, have since tested positive for the virus.

Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, leader of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Steve Swart, an ACDP member of Parliament, lay preacher Angus Buchan as well as his wife Jill, are among those who tested positive.

The nurse underwent a polymerase chain reaction test for Covid-19 on March 30 after being identified as a contact of the Bloemfontein gathering. The results came back positive the following day and she has subsequently been placed under quarantine and is under medical observation.

Clinical staff who work at the Duduza Clinic and have displayed symptoms of Covid-19 have been tested and are in self-isolation as they await their test results. Staff who have not displayed symptoms have been placed on special leave to self-isolate until further notice.

The department of health will communicate a way forward as all health facilities remain critical, especially now, and can’t afford to close for a lengthy period.

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