‘Door-to-door’ screening is rolled out
The Health Department is trying to trace those who may be infected with the virus so that they can be treated and isolated.
Tuesday this week, April 14, marked the start of the South Coast’s community screening and testing for coronavirus (Covid-19).
As of Tuesday night, South Africa had recorded 2415 confirmed cases and 27 deaths, according to statistics released by the Health Department.
The department was trying to trace those who may be infected with the virus so that they could be treated and isolated.
According to the department, those who had mild symptoms would be asked to self-quarantine where possible.
Should they be unable to do so, government would provide accommodation.
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Previously, the majority of testing had been conducted by the private sector and had been restricted to those showing two or more symptoms associated with the coronavirus.
However, from this week targeted and focused testing would be conducted, especially in hot spots and high risk communities.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor Cynthia Mqwebu, together with Umdoni Municipality Mayor Thabani Dube and Deputy Mayor Sibongile Khathi led by example, becoming the first in their communities to be tested.
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House-to-house testing, as announced by the Health Department, will take place as follows:
Ramsgate, Kwamazakhele – April 16
Port Shepstone taxi rank – April 17
Screening will be conducted by trained field workers using simple verbal questions to identify people who may require testing.
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