Department douses rumours of a positive Covid-19 case
KZN DoH clarified it was not going to comment on suspected or rumoured cases, nor individual cases.
Lolo Madonsela
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (KZN DoH) has doused rumours of an alleged case of Covid-19.
This follows a message circulating on social media, which was apparently sent by one of the Vryheid Hospital’s matrons.
KZN DoH clarified it was not going to comment on suspected or rumoured cases, nor individual cases, and took the stance that only the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize was authorised to confirm any positive cases of the coronavirus strain in the country.
Spokesperson for KZN DoH, Ntokozo Maphisa said: “Firstly, the staff member whose photograph was used alongside the caption has formally distanced herself from the post, saying it was made without her knowledge or consent. The department therefore discourages any reporting of this aspect of this story as though it were fact, and calls upon the media practitioner concerned to acknowledge what the staff member has said, and be circumspect about this matter.
Also read:Â Department of Health calls for calm after spread of Covid-19 rumours
“Secondly, only the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize is authorised to confirm positive cases of coronavirus. Furthermore, both the Premier of KZN, Sihle Zikalala and the KZN Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu have adopted a stance that the names of patients, hospitals, and areas affected by coronavirus – the so-called hotspots – will not be divulged. This is to prevent the stigmatisation of patients, families, health facilities (unless there are extenuating circumstances) and communities. People who are affected by Covid-19 need our solidarity, care and support – not discrimination.”
Maphisa added that Government was focusing on demystifying the Novel Coronavirus, so as to create awareness about what it is, what its symptoms are, and what those who display the symptoms need to do.
“Also important is for people to heed the instructions of the lockdown and stay at home. We call on the media to support these efforts.”
Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates
