Covid-19: Field workers to visit homes across the country
People in hotspot areas must come forward to be tested.
Government is taking new steps in the fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Around 10 000 field workers will be visiting homes in villages, towns and cities to screen residents for Covid-19.
Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize said areas and people should not be stigmatised and should be approached with compassion and understanding.
Also read: Covid-19 – Edenvale GP calls for calm
He urged people in hotspot areas to come forward to be tested if they show any symptoms or were in touch with anyone suspected of having the virus.
Closing of ports of entry is a factor. Up to last week 70% of positive cases were passengers coming into the country
— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) March 31, 2020
Dr Mkhize, in his briefing earlier, said the police and military will carry the necessary documentation to identify themselves.
He said the country cannot afford to lose faith in the police and military and asked communities to stand together and report any irregularities that may occur during the homestead screenings.
“Covid-19 is an organic infection.
“The real truth is it is an infective agent spreading fast,” Dr Mkhize said.
Using mobile technology, an extensive tracing system will be rapidly deployed to trace those who have been in contact with confirmed coronavirus cases and to monitor the geographical location of new cases in real time.
People with symptoms will be referred to local clinics or mobile clinics for testing.
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People who are infected with coronavirus, but who have no or moderate symptoms, will remain in isolation at home or a facility provided by the government, and those with severe symptoms will be transferred to hospitals.
The Department of Health, together with other spheres of government, is pushing ahead to implement the necessary health interventions and economic and social measures to contain the spread of the disease and alleviate its effects on the country and its people.
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