The Tshwane metro has urged members of the community to test for Covid-19 for free at a mobile clinic rotating around Pretoria.
“Come and get tested,” primary health care mobile team coordinator Cindy Venter said on Wednesday, during the Tshwane Covid-19 outreach campaign at the Akasia community hall, north of Pretoria.
Venter said it was better for people to know their Covid-19 status.
“Knowing your status can help you save the lives of others. It may save lives of your friends and loved ones.”
She said this was because people who had tested positive for Covid-19 follow certain health protocols, such as remaining in isolation, which assist the country in its efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
Tshwane metro began the campaign, also referred to as its battle plan, late last year.
“The battle plan started at the beginning of August 2020 and it focuses on Covid-19 education, screening and testing.”
She explained that the Covid-19 education drive focused on encouraging people to comply with Covid regulations, teaching them about virus symptoms, isolation and quarantine.
She said the campaign focused on virus hotspots with an aim of bringing the pandemic under control.
“Our main targets are the new hotspots where we teach people about the virus, screen and test them,” she said.
She said that when they receive information suggesting that areas such as Hammanskraal and The Orchards are hotspots, they make arrangements to go to those areas with their team.
She said free testing was important for community members who could not afford to pay for costs involved.
“It takes between three to four days for results to be known.”
Venter thanked residents who showed up to be tested.
READ MORE: Tshwane Covid-19 cases drop below 2 000
“We are pleased that a huge number of people want to test for the virus. Over the holidays, we tested more than 200 people per day.”
According to community member Lauwrence Magelegeda, the testing facility was an “eye opener”.
The 39-year-old said he was one of the people who believed in herbs and “traditional ways” to treat diseases.
“I was not even keen on testing, but through good communication, care and high level of professionalism, the health care professionals convinced me to test,” Magelegeda said.
He said he did not regret his decision and was proudly waiting for his results.
“It is important to know your status and take care of yourself.”
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