JUST IN: Municipal employee tests positive for Covid-19
The municipality has assured residents that the employee has not had any contact with ratepayers at the main municipal building.
Newcastle Municipality has confirmed an employee from the Electrical Department has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
Mlungisi Khumalo from the municipal Communications Unit issued a press statement today, confirming the staff member’s positive diagnosis. The employee is said to be an artisan responsible for distribution, maintenance and repairs.
“The employee is currently in isolation, and in line with the Covid-19 Department of Health protocols, the electricity unit has been closed until necessary disinfection and decontamination measures are conducted,” read the statement.
The statement further reported that six employees, who have been in contact with the staff member, will undergo testing.
The Electrical Department will continue to take calls from the public, although some employees will work from home. Electrical technicians who have not been affected or have not been in contact with the infected employee will work remotely.
Newcastle Municipality’s IT [Information Technology] unit has also been temporarily closed, after a service provider confirmed to have tested positive for Covid-19. The service provider worked at the IT department for a few days last week.
“Staff from the IT department have been sent home and asked to self-isolate while the office undergoes disinfection. Fortunately, none of the staff have presented symptoms of the novel coronavirus.”
The main municipal building will remain open, with precautionary safety measures in place including daily screening of employees and social distancing.
“Residents are urged not to panic or be alarmed, as the municipality was working closely with the Department of Health. The municipality would like to categorically place it on record that service delivery will not be hindered by the recent developments.”
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