Tshwane negotiates with Doctors Without Borders as Covid-19 cases spike
On Monday 11 January there were 15 931 active Covid-19 cases in Tshwane, when six day prior there were only 11 009.
The Tshwane metro has entered into negotiations with international medical humanitarian organisation, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), for assistance over the alarming increase in Covid-19 cases.
On Monday 11 January, there were 15 931 active Covid-19 cases in Tshwane, when six day prior there were only 11 009.
“This means that there was an increase of 4 922 active cases in the past week,” said health MMC Sakkie du Plooy.
“Many of the new cases need hospitalisation and the availability of beds is limited. Provincial and private hospitals are implementing measures to handle the need for beds as efficiently as possible.”
He said laboratories and clinics were also experiencing a surge in clients who came for testing.
The metro’s Rooihuiskraal historical terrain was made available to a laboratory to assist with the traffic problems experienced due to the surge in clients.
Du Plooy said the metro was currently negotiating with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to assist with a third mobile team to be deployed for screening and testing at its hotspot areas.
“MSF was also requested to assist with the metro’s programme to trace Covid-19-positive residents,” Du Plooy said.
“The Tshwane metro is providing free screening and testing at its 24 clinics to provide testing services for those who are unable to pay for it.”
In light of challenges around the availability of beds in hospitals, Tshwane residents were urged to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols and guidelines in order to minimise the risk of being hospitalised.
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