On Monday, 20 July, the management of Carletonville Hospital, led by the hospital’s CEO, Mr Sonwabo Lin- dani, welcomed members of the SA Army to the hospital. “Never in our dreams, imagination or our over-wakefulness of our eyes did we see members of the army working side by side with us in a hospital environment,” says the hospital’s communication officer, Mr Mathabo Letsoalo.
He added that this new action almost sounds like something from a movie or some-one’s imagination.
“Is the time for imagination gone? The world is confronted by an imaginary monster, an invisible enemy known as Covid-19 that has the whole world at a standstill. Indeed, it is befitting to have members of the army among us to help fight this invisible enemy.

Members of the army are here to strengthen the spine of each and every country in the world – the health sector – to overcome this invisible, silent enemy,” he says.
Everyone who enters the hospital building will now be welcomed by the Carletonville Hospital staff and members of the SANDF at the screening area. Staff members and visitors alike will be screened every day, as the fight against Covid-19 is in full swing. To ensure that patients are not exposed to Covid-19 infection as they interact with employees, everyone working in the hospital, including those working for private companies and are stationed there, have been tested for Covid-19. Members of the SANDF are allocated to different departments of the hospital.
“This is a clear indication that we are at war and must conquer the virus by all means possible,” says Letsoalo, adding that the struggle against Covid-19 is far from over.
The hospital has advice for members of the public to help stop the spread of the disease.

“We encourage all people to adhere to safety protocols and precautions as stipulated by the President of the Republic of South Africa and the Ministry of Health. Please wear your face mask when going to public areas, wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, observe social distancing and stay safe.
If one feels the need for medical advice, call NICD’s 24-hour toll-free number – 0800 029 999, visit your local clinic or any of Merafong’s testing centres,” he concludes.
The new steps being taken at the hospital could not come at a better time, as the rate at which residents of the Merafong City Local Municipality are being infected with the new coronavirus shows that there is still a huge battle ahead to stop the spread of the virus in our area.

By Tuesday, 21 July, a total of 1,974 people in our municipal area had tested positive for the infection. A total of 1,030 of them had already recovered.
Meanwhile, 9,004 people in the West Rand had tested positive for the virus.
Of these, 4,055 patients had recovered. Unfortunately, 94 West Rand patients have died of Covid-19.
A total of 4,680 people in Mogale City and 2,259 in Rand West City have tested positive