eMondlo: First at mass Covid-19 screening

Lolo Madonsela

A Joint Operation Committee (JOC) in AbaQulusi is set to roll out Covid-19 screening in the area.
eMondlo has been identified as the pilot area for the screening initiative, which is set to commence in Wards 18, 19 and 20 before being rolled out to other areas within the greater AbaQulusi municipal district.
The JOC’s plan follows Government’s announcement of plans to conduct mass screenings, to minimise the deadly strain of coronavirus.
President, Cyril Ramaphosa announced last month that those with Covid-19 symptoms would be referred to local clinics or mobile clinics for testing, and those infected with the coronavirus but did not exhibit or had moderate symptoms, would remain in isolation at home or at a facility provided by Government.
He also stated those with severe symptoms would be transferred to hospitals.

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“Using mobile technology, an extensive tracing system will be rapidly deployed to trace those who have been in contact with confirmed coronavirus cases, and to monitor the geographical location of new cases in real time.”
According to JOC, the plan was to cover at least 80 per cent of the population with these screenings.
The CEO of Vryheid District Hospital, Fikile Ngema explained that volunteers who will conduct the tests will have to undergo an intensive training programme, to ensure all screenings were done according to relevant regulation.
Dates for the screenings are yet to be announced.
The JOC said it would announce how legitimate screening officials would be identified, and urged residents to be aware of those pretending to be screening officials and report them to the police.
Residents are divided on the mass screening initiative.
Some have welcomed the efforts of Government to contain the rate of infection, while others fear being robbed or infected intentionally and have come up with wild conspiracy theories.
“Should they come to my house, I will chase them out. I know my way to the clinic should I feel the need to be tested. They will not be allowed in my house,”, said resident, Grace Sithole.
Mike Zulu stated, “If they are not accompanied by police officials, I am not taking any screening – period. People will come in, pretend to test us and then steal from us, even worse rape our wives, mothers, sisters and children. South Africa is full of criminals and this is one opportunity they will use. I am not going to take chances; no police company, no screening for me and my family.”
One positive comment came from youngster, Lwazi Buthelezi, who said she would not mind being screened, “If being screened is going to help fight this virus, then I am more than willing to comply. I miss school; all I want if for this lockdown to be over so I can go back to school. I do not want to find myself repeating a grade. I am in Grade 12 and am mentally prepared to be in varsity next year. I welcome the screening, as long as there will be protection for us citizens, because there will be criminal elements [using] this whole thing.”

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