22 People in the Govan Mbeki municipal area test positive for Covid-19

SECUNDA – According to the Department of Health of Mpumalanga, there were 22 positive cases of Covid-19 in the Govan Mbeki municipal area.

However, Mediclinic Highveld, could only confirm three positive cases between 1 March and 5 June.

Two of these three patients were treated at the Mediclinic Highveld.

The Ridge Times reported in May that a few workers of Shondoni Mine tested positive for the virus.

This number increased over time.

According to the latest statistics from Sasol, 11 people from the mines tested positive for Covid-19.

Ms Sphiwe Mahlalela, patient experience manager of Mediclinic Highveld, said in strict accordance with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and national Department of Health protocols, Mediclinic Highveld has implemented the necessary measures to manage any patients testing positive with the virus and to prevent any potential transmission in our facilities.

“We currently have no patient testing positive for the virus at our facility,” said Ms Mahlalela.

Mediclinic Highveld has performed 1 039 tests for Covid-19 since March.

Ms Mahlalela said should any suspected Covid-19 patients require medical support from Mediclinic Highveld, these patients would be accommodated in an isolation unit, where the nursing staff are trained and equipped to manage the patient according to the level of care the illness requires.

“We continue to urge the public to take the necessary precautions by practicing good hand hygiene, social distancing as well as adhering to lockdown requirements,” said Ms Mahlalela.

“We also encourage anyone experiencing signs and symptoms of the disease, such as shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, coughing or who believe that that they may have been exposed to the virus to contact their healthcare provider.”

According to the Department of Health, there were 10 recoveries in the Govan Mbeki municipal area however, the Department of Health did not comment on the Ridge Times‘ questions at the time of going to print.

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