A patient alleged to have Covid-19 was admitted to Ward 5 at Ladysmith Provincial Hospital.

It has been confirmed that the patient has been in the ward since March 16 and allegedly tested positive for the coronavirus (Covid-19) on May 29.

Admissions to the ward have been halted until further notice, with all new female patients now being admitted to the female surgical ward.

Mental health patients who need 72-hour observation need to be admitted to Estcourt Hospital.

It is believed that over 40 people, including two shifts of nursing staff, have been quarantined at a facility in Durban after coming in contact with the ‘Covid-19 positive’ patient.

The Ladysmith Gazette has spoken to the provincial spokesperson for the Department of Health, Mr Ntokozo Maphisa, who said that he cannot confirm any cases; only the Minister of Health can.

An internal investigation will take place at the hospital to determine how the patient contracted Covid-19 and to trace all the people who came in contact with the patient says Maphisa.

This story has been updated.

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