Covid-19 cluster outbreaks recorded in Capricorn and Waterberg districts
The outbreaks were traced to a mine within the Waterberg district and a school in Capricorn, confirmed the Department of Health on Wednesday.
POLOKWANE -The MEC of the Department of Health in the province, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, is concerned with the ever-increasing number of Covid-19 cluster outbreaks being reported in Limpopo.
In a statement the health department confirmed cluster outbreaks at a mine in the Waterberg district and at a school in the Capricorn district. This follows recent cluster outbreaks which were registered at old age homes in the Bela-Bela and Mookgophong/Modimole municipalities.
Health spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha explained that the Waterberg district registered a cluster outbreak at GG Mine in Lephalale while in the Capricorn district, an ongoing cluster of positive cases were reported at Marobathota High School.
“As a result the Waterberg has registered a total of 209 new cases in the past 24 hours, while Capricorn has recorded 91. Of the 91 cases 71 were reported in the Polokwane Municipal area,” said Muavha.
Departmental response teams have been dispatched to both districts to assist with tracing, screening, testing, quarantine and isolation at all the affected institutions and organisations.
Sekhukhune, Vhembe and Mopane has also seen an increase in number of new positive cases in the past 24 hours.
“Sekhukhune reported a total of 37 new cases, Vhembe (28) and Mopani (25), bringing the total number of new cases reported in the province in the last 24-hour reporting cycle to 390,” he explained.
He added that even though Limpopo has record less Covid-19 cases compared to other parts of the country, the MEC calls on residents to desist from attending social gatherings where the practicing social distance, wearing of masks and hand sanitising has ‘become impossible to practice’.
“The public must remain vigilant and do their part in curbing the spread of the virus. Together we can win this battle and defeat the third wave,” Ramathuba concluded.
As of June 16 the number of cumulative positive Covid-19 cases in the province stands at 68 117, recoveries at 63 707 and deaths at 2 517. With the ever-increasing number of positive cases being reported in a 24-hour reporting cycle, the province will soon hit the 70 000 mark.
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