Health officials were welcomed into the homes of Suryaville and Lennoxton residents yesterday, when door-to-door Covid-19 screenings officially began in Newcastle.

Three teams of healthcare workers set off on foot at about 2pm tackling residences considered high density, and areas where known coronavirus patients reside.

Some anxiety preceded the visit from the healthcare workers, among residents who wrongly believed home visits were being conducted to swab residents to test for coronavirus. Residents worried about the uncomfortable procedure being conducted in unhygienic settings.

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However, Ward 3 Councillor, Matthew Shunmugam dispelled fears and set minds at ease communicating exactly what a Covid-19 screening entails via text messages and social media, hours before the health workers set about their task.

In his message, Cllr Shunmugam compared the Covid-19 screening to a brief interview, explaining the healthcare workers would be asking vital questions regarding each individual’s travel history, possible exposure to the virus and current health status. Only residents, who are symptomatic for Covid-19, or who the healthcare workers suspect may be infected with the virus, are referred to a medical facility for testing.

Healthcare workers conscientiously sanitised their hands and gloves upon entering and leaving each home. They also used the opportunity to educate members of the public on the virus and how to avoid becoming infected.

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District co-ordinator, Dudu Kubheka, said she was both excited and stressed to embark on the first door-to-door screenings in Newcastle. She acknowledges the screenings are significant to the success of ‘flattening the curve’, but admits when her team set out they were uncertain about what to expect.

At the end of the day, however, she reported that all the residents who were screened were warm and welcoming towards her team.

“We also thank the ward councillor for this,” she said. “He informed people of exactly what to expect and they were ready for us.”

The John family at the Suryaville flats was among the very first to be screened. Lilly John said she has only left her house to hang up the washing since the lockdown began, and her family has been taking extra care to avoid being infected for even longer than that.

Lilly said she felt reassured when the healthcare workers visited her home, that the officials at the Department of Health really care and are trying their best to prevent the spread of the virus.

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