Covid-19: Municipality implements immediate precautionary measures

The Newcastle Municipality has confirmed that none of its employees have tested positive for the coronavirus.

This comes after the announcement that the partner of an employee tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.

According to Head of Communications, Mlungisi Khumalo, precautionary protocols were immediately put into place at the municipal building:

“Other staff members, who may have come into contact with the employee, were asked to self-isolate at home. The employee in question has undergone testing and his results have come back negative,” he confirmed.

On behalf of the municipality, Khumalo wished a speedy recovery to the partner of the employee.

“In the interim, employees are encouraged to continue practicing the Covid-19 safety measures while on duty. They are also urged to seek medical attention should they experience any symptoms of the virus,” Khumalo said.

As per Government gazetted Covid-19 regulations, provisions have been made for safety masks and hand sanitisers at the municipal building.

“No staff at the municipality is positive and we are taking every precautionary measure in the book. There is no need to panic and the municipality is open to serve the public. Furthermore, the municipality will undergo a vigorous disinfection of the building and work very closely with the Department of Health,” he concluded.