The meeting, which was arranged by Alida Stoltz, who is the Communicable Diseases Control Coordinator from the Department of Health, took place at the main hall of the building of public works, where various figures from the Life Midmed Hospital, Lancet, Ampath, Islamic Medical Association and the Middelburg Provincial Hospital were invited to attend.

It was revealed, that from February 6 to March 6, there were a total of 35 cases, eight of which tested positive, with a further four still pending.

Former councillor Farouk Suliman gave the following statement to the Middelburg Observer, “I have requested my community to act and respond positively and take all necessary measures to ensure this epidemic does not escalate further. Yes, it’s contagious and can be fatal if not treated immediately.”