Covid-19: Motorists screened and tested upon entering Gauteng
MECs were looking to slow the spread of the virus by identifying those infected as they entered the province.
Officials from the Gauteng Provincial Government have been out on the busy freeways identifying those infected with Covid-19 before they entered the province. Today (3 May) MECs, heads of department and healthcare workers were out in force to screen and test motorists and passengers as the country moved to level four lockdown, which allows for people to travel back to their places of work.
We are on the N1 North at a joint road block with various departments in the province. Our district health teams are screening and testing travelers coming into Gauteng. All MECs are deployed to various other roadblocks. #GautengCOVID19 #GrowingGautengTogether pic.twitter.com/R2buKIUCRd
— Dr Bandile Masuku (@bandilemasuku) May 3, 2020
The MECs on duty included Bandile Masuku (Health), Mbali Hlophe (Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation), Tasneem Motara (Infrastructure Development) and Panyaza Lesufi (Acting Social Development).
These MECs, together with officials from various other departments, were spread across the province to cover as many entrances to Gauteng as possible. Under the rules of level four lockdown, citizens are also allowed to make a once-off trip to move from one location to another. Judging from the long lines of traffic approaching the roadblocks, it’s safe to say South Africans have made the most of this opportunity.
The traffic is still congested as every vehicle is being stopped and searched at the N1 South Freeway. There is also heavy police presence to ensure that the motorists and passengers are at their best behaviour. #GautengCOVID19 #FlattenTheCurve pic.twitter.com/5Jy7fpbb6J
— GP Department of Community Safety (@GP_CommSafety) May 3, 2020
Members of the police and South African National Defence Force were present to assist the authorities during the operation. Those found breaking the law or in violation of the lockdown rules were at risk of arrest. Pamphlets containing a wealth of information on Covid-19 were also handed out.
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