Intensive screenings campaigns pay off for Gauteng

Gauteng Command Council provides a snapshot update into the province’s current state after two week’s into the nation lockdown.

According to Premier David Makura, Gauteng has been identified as the epicentre of the novel virus outbreak while Johannesburg remains the epicentre of the virus outbreak in Gauteng.

“We have a heavy burden of responsibility on our shoulders,” he said.

Makhura does, however, remain confident that the province remains well-resourced to combat the virus.

“An additional 8 005 community health care workers have been trained in the last week – 607 health care professionals will work with these workers in tracing contact cases, conducting screening and testing,” he said.

Makhura added that since the call to action went out by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 31 March, over 24 000 people have been screened, 440 displayed symptoms and were referred for testing. The department has since implemented an intensive screening and testing campaign which targets high density areas.

The first campaign was implemented in Alexandra where 1 690 people were screened and 201 people were tested by health professionals. “Only one person tested positive and they are now in quarantine,” Makhura said.

He added that the work does not end with these intensive campaigns. “There has since been a follow-up, conducting medical surveillance of the area to ensure that we are not surprised by any new developments,” Makhura added.

“We thank the people for volunteering for screening and testing. We are very happy that the community cooperated with us – we know that we are going to continue to work with that community,” he said.

The screening and testing campaigns have since been rolled out to all districts in the province.

Makhura noted that as the Minister of Health makes new statistics available every day, the provincial department will be able to provide a breakdown of the respective districts.

As of 8 April, the number of positive Covid-19 cases is as follows:

• Johannesburg – 440 cases
• Ekurhuleni – 111 cases
• Tshwane – 90 cases
• West Rand – 12 cases
• Sedibeng – 6 cases

Makhura added while an additional 123 cases remain unallocated; workers have been able to trace 90 per cent of the province’s contact cases.

He added that the department will not be providing a case breakdown according to the respective suburbs or townships due to a concern of stigmatization particularly for those patients who have since recovered from the virus.

MEC of Health Dr Bandile Masuku noted an incident which occurred in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg where a patient who tested positive was “thrown out” by their landlord.

“Specific locations will be in the hands of authorities, particularly healthcare professionals. We want to make sure that our healthcare professionals use their various protocols to protect those who test positive for Covid-19,” he said.

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