Tshwane administrator expects Covid-19 surge
“Experts says South Africa would experience a surge in infections as witnessed in other countries in the northern hemisphere at the height of the winter period.”
Tshwane metro head administrator Mpho Nawa appealed to residents to be extra cautious and take preventative measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
“Medical experts predicted South Africa would experience a surge in infections as witnessed in other countries in the northern hemisphere at the height of the winter period,” Nawa said.
Nawa’s call came as more than 15 metro buildings had to temporarily close because of staffers testing positive for Covid-19, with Tshwane House being the most recent.
The southern part of the building, the east wing as well as the second floor were closed on Thursday after a staff member tested positive for the virus.
It was the second time the building had to shut its doors due to the virus.
Other buildings closed included the Silverton clinic, the Hazelwood fire station as well as the Rayton municipal offices.
Most of those buildings had since reopen.
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Two weeks ago, the metro embarked on an intensive Covid-19 outreach campaign targeting areas considered to be hotspots and conducted mass screening and testing of residents.
The campaign started at the Bloed Street mall and continued at the Sunnypark Centre, Sunnyside, last Friday.
“After President Ramaphosa identified Tshwane as a hotspot, we immediately focused on the areas which needed urgent and targeted intervention,” said Nawa.
Nawa commended the establishment of the Covid-19 command council and expressed gratitude to the “unwavering support” of metro employees.
“Residents have been amazing since the start of the lockdown period and have cooperated with us in our collective effort to flatten the curve,” he said.
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“There were, however, some pockets of unpleasant behaviour, but those were isolated incidents.”
Nawa further emphasised the need for employees and residents to get screened.
“The team of administrators have also started frequent verification of their own status, including of those close to them.
“One transmission is one too many.
“Let’s all be vigilant at every turn. We need a healthy community and staff to continue to serve diligently.”
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