Mpumalanga premier tests negative for Covid-19

All officials who attended the meetings at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre in Mbombela were tested immediately and have been ordered to self isolate as from Tuesday (May 13th, 2020) as they await their results.

The Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and the director-general, Sindi Xulu also undertook the tests and their results were negative.

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“We are determined to make sure that all our officials are safe, hence the decision to close the command centre temporarily for an intensive fumigation,” said the Premier.

She added that tracing of all people that came into contact with the affected official has been done and testing is underway.

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The Premier has encouraged members of the public not to resist undergoing the test as a crucial pillar to save their lives and their loved ones.

“When I took the test I was nervous myself. It was short, convenient and less painful. The doctor made sure I was relaxed and took the samples, so people must not be scared to test when they present the symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is infected,” said the Premier.

The co-chairpersons of the Command Center, Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lt-General Mondli Zuma commended the officials for setting a good example by participating in the testing process. “We have observed with concern the reluctance of some of our communities to be tested during our meetings, for fear of stigmatization. Some end up absconding quarantine procedures. To self-isolate or to be quarantined is not a punishment but to help those who tested positive and to curb the rising number of infections,” said Lt General Zuma.

Provincial Government will continue to educate the public about the benefits of screening and testing for coronavirus.