27 virus cases, 1 death at Weskoppies
The department said it was concerned over the Covid-19 confirmed cases in the facility as most of the patients were unable to adhere to Covid-19 precautionary measures.
Twenty-seven positive Covid-19 cases have been recorded at the Weskoppies psychiatric hospital in Pretoria West, while one patient died last week Monday.
The patient was said to have had an underlying illness.
This was according to a statement from the Gauteng Department of Health on Tuesday.
The department said 19 patients tested positive while five still had to get results.
Eight staff members also tested positive and were in isolation.
One person was admitted to the Tshwane district hospital on Monday, 23 June.
Another 34 more staff members were awaiting their results, while 1 165 people tested negative.
The department said it was concerned over the Covid-19 confirmed cases in the facility as most of the patients were unable to adhere to Covid-19 precautionary measures.
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“The department is closely monitoring the situation. Several mental health care users are people with comorbidities.
“Coupled with the inability of most patients to adhere to measures such as regular hand washing, cough etiquette, wearing of masks and maintaining physical distance, this makes mental health care users among the most vulnerable groups.”
The department said it had implemented infection control health measures to prevent the further spread of the virus in the facility.
It said the daily screening of staff and patients was carried out as part of health measures to curb the spread.
The department added that families of the affected patients were updated on developments.
Throughout the province more than 160 Covid-19 cases had been recorded at mental health care facilities by Tuesday.
The following measures have been put in place in the psychiatric facilities throughout the province:
– The establishment of Covid-19 task teams inclusive of relevant stakeholders
– Guidelines on management of Covid-19 have been developed
– Stable patients given masks and encouraged to maintain social distancing
– Appropriate PPE being used by staff
– Hands have to be sanitised before entering the wards
– Continuous training of staff on the management of Covid-19 cases taking place
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