Three cases of coronavirus in Melrose Arch

This morning (19 March) Melrose Arch management confirmed that there have been three cases of COVID-19 reported in the precinct.

According to managing director of Melrose Arch, Mike Vermaak, “There have been three confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Melrose Arch (not four as originally believed), at two companies who have offices in the precinct. In all three cases, appropriate action was taken.”

He added that two of the confirmed cases were from one tenancy. An employee returned to South Africa from the United Kingdom on 10 March and had a meeting with another employee on the Wednesday. Both employees went home the moment they started feeling ill. “The traveller’s COVID-19 test came back positive on 14 March while the second employee’s test was verified positive on 16 March. From Monday, the entire company went into self-isolation and all staff members who were in contact with the two employees were also tested. The majority of tests came back negative. However, there are one or two results still outstanding. The tenant will be sanitising and deep cleaning their premises during the course of this week,” said Vermaak.

He said the third confirmed case in the precinct was that of a tenant who also returned from a European trip last week. The person returned to work, began feeling ill and immediately left the premises. The tenant subsequently tested positive and remains in self-isolation. The remainder of the staff have all been tested and all results are negative. The premises have already been sanitised.

“We are satisfied that the situations were well handled by the tenants concerned,” said Vermaak. “We will continue to operate the precinct in a responsible manner and work closely with our tenants to ensure all safety measures are in place.”

Sinenhlanhla Jimoh, the spokesperson for the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) said that she could not confirm cases of single patients due to their code of ethics, but can only confirm the number of latest cases in the province, as issued by the Department of Health.
The public is advised to call the coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999 with any suspected cases of coronavirus, or to report or obtain information relevant to the pandemic.

In a Twitter post, Virgin Active wrote, “Our clubs (excluding Melrose Arch) are open and fully operational.”

The gym also sent out a message to its members saying, “Virgin Active Melrose Arch is closed until further notice. A member who visited on 13 March has tested positive for coronavirus. A specialist provider will undertake overnight disinfection protocol.”

Sinenhlanhla Jimoh, the spokesperson for the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) said that she could not confirm cases of single patients due to their code of ethics, but can only confirm the number of latest cases in the province, as issued by the Department of Health.

The public is advised to call the coronavirus hotline on 0800 029 999 with any suspected cases of coronavirus, or to report or obtain information relevant to the pandemic.

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