Phelophepa healthcare train rolls into KwaZulu-Natal to boost Covid-19 testing – here’s where it’s stopping
The train will be in Port Shepstone from July 13 to July 24.
Transnet SOC Limited has added its clinic-on-wheels to KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) battle to contain the spread of the coronavirus, thus increasing the province’s testing capability.
The Phelophepa II train which arrived in the province on Monday, May 18 will be stationed in Phoenix, a township northwest of central Durban with an estimated population of 176 989.
The train will be in KZN from May 18 until July 24 and will also visit communities in Empangeni, Ulundi and Pietermaritzburg and Port Shepstone.
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The deployment of the Phelophepa II train is part of an agreement between Transnet and the Department of Health in KZN and the Eastern Cape to provide the health trains for screening and testing for Covid-19.
Only screening and testing for Covid-19 will take place on-board the train.
The Phelophepa I train arrived in Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape last week and is expected to leave for the next station, Mount Ruth later this week.
The Department of Health in both provinces will handle all activities associated with the screening and testing for Covid-19 and will be responsible for the welfare of the healthcare staff, administrative staff and all equipment required for screening.
Transnet will provide connection points for water and electricity from the health train as well as furniture, shading and public amenities.
Transnet will also manage personnel for the movement and the staging of the train and security services including crowd control.
Eastern Cape schedule:
1. Stutterheim: May 11 to May 22
2. Mount Ruth: May 25 to June 5
3. Dutywa: June 8 to June 19
4 Mthatha: June 22 to July 3
KwaZulu-Natal schedule:
1. Phoenix: May 18 to May 29
2. Empangeni: June 1 to June 12
3. Ulundi: June 15 to June 26
4. Pietermaritzburg: June 29 to July 10
5. Port Shepstone: July 13 to July 24
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