City of Joburg has screened 85 per cent of their staff for Covid-19 and only 660 of them tested positive.
The City of Johannesburg shared details of the Covid-19 statistics and realities facing itself and its employees. In a statement released by the City, it stated they had screened 29 681 of its staff, equating to about 85 per cent of their total employees, as of 8 July. A total of 4 248 officials at the City have been tested for Covid-19 with 660 testing positive. The statement read, “Unfortunately, four of our colleagues have died as a result of Covid-19 complications.”
The City also informed its workers on what to do if they test positive for the virus. Staff will be expected to inform their line managers immediately and anyone else they have had direct/close contact with over the last week. The workers’ supervisors will then contact the positive patient and inform of the procedure that will take place next. An occupational health assistant director or nurse will liaise with the affected employee to provide support and advise when the need arise. The statement read, “If it’s an occupational acquired Covid-19 and the affected employee needs medical attention, Covid forms for reporting occupational acquired Covid-19 must be completed.”
The City also reminded its staff that no one is allowed to disclose their Covid-19 status without their permission. The statement read, “The line manager may inform your colleagues without disclosing the name of the affected individual. Colleagues that are identified as close/direct contact will be advised to go for screening and testing.”
In the last two weeks, several City buildings, including depots and offices, have had to temporarily shut down and be disinfected on a few occasions amid rising infections. The Johannesburg Property Company had to close its Braampark offices in the first week of July after three people tested positive for Covid-19. Pikitup Depots also closed by the City after staff tested positive. As of 1 July, the total number of employees infected by the virus within Pikitup is 45. The City’s Housing Department’s offices in Region D were also recently closed for deep cleansing.
