WARD 26 community workers in uMhlathuze are concerned about the high number of people failing to isolate themselves while awaiting their Covid-19 test results.

This is according to Brackenham Community Clinic Committee Chairperson, Mandy Michaels, who confirmed reports of people still frequenting public places and visiting neighbours and family while waiting for their results.

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‘We’ve had many cases of people having gone for tests, who did not inform anyone about it and while awaiting results, continued to move around and make contact with other people, thus continuing the spread of the virus.

‘This ripple effect of non-compliance has resulted in several households becoming infected, with elderly and chronic patients being exposed to the virus unnecessarily.

‘We urge residents to isolate after they have gone for testing and if they receive positive test results, they must immediately inform those who they have been in contact with to go for testing as well and make contact with us to arrange for tracing teams to visit the residences.

‘The situation is serious and we have been dealing with traumatic cases where families were exposed unnecessarily because of relatives not taking precautions and staying at home isolating.

‘To ensure the safety of our senior citizens and chronic patients, members are welcome to send a relative with their clinic cards to collect their chronic medication on their behalf,’ said Michaels.

Ward councillor Leslie Joseph reiterated the need for every citizen to act responsibly and keep themselves and other residents safe.

‘The number of positive cases in Brackenham is alarming and the team at the screening unit at the Brackenham Community Clinic is hard at work from 7am to noon, seeing at least 50 people per day and ensuring all swabs are taken to hospital for testing by lunchtime.

‘Screening continued on Christmas and New Year’s Day, and tracing teams are still going door-to-door conducting screening and testing as well.

‘We find there is still too much movement in the suburb and people are not wearing masks when they are in public areas like shops and other community amenities.

‘Those loitering around the public spaces are cause for concern as well,’ said Joseph.

Those who have tested positive in the ward and would like to request tracing teams to visit their residence can contact Mandy on 071 1099351, or to request testing at home, phone 035 9017298.

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