Tshwane residents encouraged to test as Covid 19 infections spike
“We are seeing many cases of Covid lately.”
Tshwane residents should test for Covid-19, the Gauteng health department has warned.
This follows a spike in recent numbers as 506 people in Tshwane tested positive for Covid-19 in March.
“The number of cases reported in March was a total of 5 246 cases [in the province],” said Gauteng health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
In January and February the number of Covid-19 cases reported across Gauteng were 1 731 and 1 890 respectively.
“However, we noted a significant drop in the number of Covid-19 cases reported in April with a total of 1 982 cases reported thus far.”
Dr Kabelo Seema, a Mamelodi doctor, said that many people consulted him about what they thought were flu symptoms but turned out to be Covid-19.
“We are seeing many Covid cases. Lately, people come to us with symptoms of the flu unaware that they have Covid. Everyone who thinks they have flu must test for Covid just to be sure that it is just a normal flu,” Seema said.
He also advised the community to take good care of themselves and get as much rest as possible.
Modiba said both flu and Covid-19 were highly contagious respiratory illnesses that often share similar signs or symptoms.
“For one to be able to distinguish between these two diseases is through laboratory testing so that a strain can be identified.”
To minimise the spread of diseases such as the flu and Covid, the department suggested the below non-pharmaceutical interventions:
– Encourage good ventilation in public places and vehicles (open windows)
– Promote wearing of masks in crowded public spaces, especially if you have signs and symptoms of flu
– Hand and respiratory hygiene
– Avoidance of gatherings, especially in poorly ventilated areas
The public was urged to continue getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and also to get a booster shot.
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