Update on Covid-19 in Mpumalanga Province
Mpumalanga has an increase in the number of positive cases of the Coronavirus with a total of 18 cases, of which 10 are females and eight are males, with no fatalities as of yet.
The Provincial Joint Operation and Intelligence Structure Communications Team released an update on the latest Covid-19 statistics in the Mpumalanga Province.
Mpumalanga has an increase in the number of positive cases of the Coronavirus with a total of 18 cases, of which 10 are females and eight are males, with no fatalities as of yet.
The 18 positive cases are located in all the three districts with Ehlanzeni recording nine, Gert Sibande five and Nkangala four.
According to the statement, a total of 208 tests for Covid-19 has been conducted in the province, of which 176 have tested negative.
The police in the meanwhile have detained eight undocumented people for contravening the Immigration Regulations near Ogies on 4 April.
According to the police report, police were busy patrolling the area when they spotted a Grey Toyota Avanza which was fully loaded with occupants.
Police became more suspicious when they noticed the vehicle at that particular time because, in terms of the Lock-down Regulations, public transport should adhere to the stipulated times and only transport essential staff within stipulated times and/or places.
Upon stopping the vehicle, police conducted a search whereby it was established that eight occupants were undocumented.
These men were then detained and a preliminary investigation revealed that they are alleged to be from Bangladesh.
The Departments of Home Affairs and Health were coordinated so that the necessary precautionary measures could be followed in terms of the Covid-19 Guidelines and Regulations.
The suspects will appear in absentia before the Witbank Magistrate Court on 6 April.
MEC Sasekani Manzini, MEC for Health in Mpumalanga, said: “The Department of Health has screened all eight men for Covid-19.
“Of the eight, one is showing signs of Covid-19 infection.
“The Department has taken tests from the suspect to establish whether he is infected or not.
“All the men will be quarantined for the duration of the incubation period.”
According to the Department of Home Affairs, they will have the men deported back to their country once all processes have been completed.
In addition, MEC Manzini is calling on the public to stay at home, avoid unnecessary movement to the shops and contacts during the lockdown period.
She said: “The intention of the lockdown is not to frustrate the public, but to prevent more spread and in an effort to flatten the curve.”
MEC Manzini further reminded people to always wash their hands with soap at least for 20 seconds, to use sanitizers with alcohol content, and avoid sharing food, drinks and utensils.
According to the statement, the MEC urges people to cover their mouths with a flexed elbow or use tissue or handkerchief when they cough or sneeze and people should seek medical treatment if they experience symptoms of Covid-19.
The symptoms include coughing, high temperature of 38 degrees and above, fever, sore throat and diarrhoea.
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Make sure to read the Highvelder Newspaper for the complete article.
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