Recent Covid-19 cases at MediClinic Newcastle were ‘silent spreaders’
Most of the patients who tested positive for Covid-19 at MediClinic Newcastle showed no symptoms of the disease.
Some patients who tested positive for the coronavirus at MediClinic Newcastle showed no symptoms and didn’t know they were infected.
These asymptomatic patients only found out they are infected with Covid-19 after seeking medical care for health issues that are completely unrelated to the deadly virus.
MediClinic Newcastle reports that ten patients have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past three weeks.
Including the patient, who tested positive in March, this brings the total nmber cases confirmed by the private healthcare facility to 11. This patient, who tested positive in March, and two others appear to be the only ones who were admitted due to Covid related illness.
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Health experts have warned since the onset of the pandemic that ‘silent carriers’ may be spreading the disease without knowing they are infected. According to the World Health Organisation, as many an 80% of Covid-19 infections are mild or asymptomatic.
Every patient who is admitted to MediClinic Newcastle is tested for Covid-19 and is handled as a person under investigation until they receive their test results. “Test results are available in about 24-48hours,” says Mr Borman.
“Patients are tested prior to admission if they come to us for an elective surgical procedure, and on admission if they require emergency medical assistance,” he explained.
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Mr Borman fears that resident’s fears of becoming infected with Covid-19 at healthcare facilities may result in them choosing to self-medicate at home instead of seek professional medical care. He assures the public that the hospital has strict procedures in place to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
“There is no need for people to allow illnesses to progress to a point where it may become life-threatening or even fatal when we have the facilities and expertise to help them recover,” he said.
In this week’s print edition of the Newcastle Advertiser Mr Borman and hospital manager, Japie Greyling, tell us why they are confident that, “going to the hospital is safer than going to the shop to buy groceries.”
At the time of publishing, there were 18 persons under investigation for Covid-19 at MediClinic Newcastle who were awaiting their test results, and one patient who tested positive for Covid-19 admitted at the hospital.
640 patients admitted to MediClinic Newcastle since the start of the pandemic have tested negative for the coronavirus and the hospital has recorded no Covid-19 related deaths.
