LIMPOPO – Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, today (June 8) visited various old ages home, which have been affected by Covid-19 cluster outbreaks.

In a statement by the MEC’s spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha, the department notes that the visits follow a spike in cases in the Waterberg district over the past few weeks.

The MEC started her visit at Die Oog Old Age Home, where five residents recently passed away due to Covid-19-related complications. 

“Unfortunately, we have lost some of our elderly people as a result of Covid-19 complications and the preliminary report indicated short comings by management in terms of Covid-19 protocols. Elderly people, who are being mixed irrespective of being under investigation as a Covid-19 suspect or not, is of concern. We want to provide support to these facility managers while monitoring compliance as we step up vaccination of the senior citizens aged 60 and above,” said Ramathuba.

Ramathuba said a number of allegations have been raised against the old age home, and therefore, they needed to pay a visit to establish what led to the cluster outbreak.  

“We were mostly worried about their clinics, who take care of the frail patients. We are satisfied with what we have found here and we are proud of the work done by the district’s Department of Health and Department of Social Development. Those who are positive are under isolation and they have already screened more than 500 people,” she explained.

Ramathuba said although Limpopo’s numbers do not yet indicate that the province is in a third wave, the department has noted a spike in cases, especially in the Waterberg district.

Her call remained the same: “People should continue to be strict in the wearing of masks, sanitisation, the washing of hands with soap and water, as well as adhering to social distancing. 

She added that “measures beyond their control” has hampered progress in the vaccination of senior citizens, however, she remains happy with the progress that has been made.

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Ramathuba proceeded to Mookgophong Shopping Centre and Rusoord old age home in Bela-Bela, where she concluded her visit.

Meanwhile, Muavha added that the department noted reports suggesting that the department only focuses on state-owned old age homes.

“We would like to clarify that we are a Department of Health, not of public health, and our interests is on all our citizens to be vaccinated. We can say with confidence that several old age homes in the Waterberg district, both public and private, have already been vaccinated by our vaccination outreach teams. They include Mokopane Old Age Home, Armoede Old Age Home, Residential Modimolle, Kokanje Old Age Home, Tambotie Old Age Home, Immergroen Old Age Home and Legae La Batho Old Age Home,” he explained.

Muavha said another 980 elderly people from various facilities within the district have already been vaccinated.

“The only centres that have not yet been vaccinated, are the ones experiencing cluster outbreaks,” he concluded.