27 people sought for testing after Ladysmith’s first Covid-19 patient is arrested

The people who require testing were at his business and at a religious gathering

According to police, 27 people are being sought for testing in the aftermath of the arrest of Ladysmith’s first confirmed Covid-19 patient.

This after police received information that the man who tested positive for the coronavirus came in contact with other people in the Ladysmith area on Tuesday (March 24).

The man had travelled to various countries before returning to South Africa. On his return on March 18, he was tested positive for Covid-19 and was instructed to self-quarantine for at least 14 days pending the blood results.

However, the man allegedly continued to run his business and in doing so, disregarded the instructions by a doctor, thus contravening regulations in terms of the National Disaster Act pertaining to the Covid-19 virus.

The 39-year-old suspect was arrested and removed to Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, where he is currently being treated.

The 27 people now being sought for testing are thought to have been at his business and also at a religious gathering.

The matter was discussed with the Senior Public Prosecutor to be postponed in absentia to avoid further contamination.

Read initial story HERE

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