First Gauteng mall-based testing centre launched in Centurion
Various communities in Pretoria and surrounding areas, especially those that have been identified as Covid-19 hotspots, would benefit from this initiative.
The Gauteng department of health has launched the first mall-based testing station at Forest Hill City shopping centre in Centurion on Tuesday.
This was done in partnership with Rebosis Property Fund and Faith Care Medicals, which plans to set up testing stations in malls around Pretoria.
Gauteng health spokesperson Kwara Kekana said the partnership would benefit various communities in Pretoria and surrounding areas, especially those that have been identified as Covid-19 hotspots.
Areas that were also densely populated would also benefit from the initiative.
“This mall is in close proximity to Olivenhoutbosch and Diepsloot areas as well as various residential communities,” said Kekana.
“The testing stations will be rolled out in phases at the demarcated areas outside malls owned by Rebosis.”
Phase two of the project will see another station being opened at Bloed Street Mall, which is located in the Pretoria CBD.
The mall is situated near taxi ranks that service various routes ferrying people from townships such as Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Mabone, Hebron and Hammanskraal.
Kekana said the third station would be located at Sunnypark Shopping Centre in Sunnyside.
“This mall caters for government workers and students who either live in the area or frequent there for work and schooling purposes,” she said.
“The testing stations will assist to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic by giving shoppers and members of the public access to screening and testing facilities, at no cost to the public.”
Kekana said the key strategy to reducing the spread of the coronavirus was to screen and test as many people as possible through a targeting hotspots, so that those who test positive could be referred for medical management and their contacts traced.
To date 5 118 192 screenings have been conducted and 110 741 tests done across the Gauteng province.
The station was officially opened by Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku, together with Rebosis CEO Dr Sisa Ngebulana and the founder of Faith Care Medicals Faith Mabuza.
Dr Ngebulana said the current pandemic was unprecedented.
“Besides our ongoing commitment in assisting our poor communities through food distribution programs and other necessities, it is much important to, among others, make testing accessible and less costly,” she said.
“We have made a commitment to do this by availing infrastructure, equipment and appropriate medical personnel, at our shopping malls’ parking spaces and other properties.”
Faith Care Medicals founder described the public private partnership as “a practical way of heeding the call by President Ramaphosa for society to work together to minimise the spread of Covid-19”.
“We are grateful for this strategic partnership which will intensify the fight against the spread of the pandemic,” she said.
MEC Masuku called on other mall owners and business to come on board and ensure the project was implemented throughout the province so that as many people as possible are tested and given the necessary care, if found to be positive.
Photo: Facebook
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