Mpumalanga’s Covid-19 hotspots targetted

THE MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS SCREENED AND TESTED 90 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION, REACHING OVER FOUR MILLION PEOPLE

MBOMBELA - According to the department’s MEC, Sasekani Manzini, the screening and testing processes were conducted in hospitals, at roadblocks, shopping malls, correctional centres and individual households.

“I would like to thank all our communities and healthcare workers for heeding the call and cooperating with the Department of Health since the beginning of this journey.

“The response we have been getting from the general public is overwhelming, and it is evident enough that our people accept the seriousness of the Covid-19 coronavirus,” said Manzini.

“We would like to thank our people for going to clinics and hospitals whenever they are ill or display suspected symptoms of the virus. The number of people in clinics and hospitals is encouraging.”

Hotspots

Manzini said they are currently targeting hotspots around the province where the Covid-19 is gaining momentum.

“We are now focusing on mining areas such as eMalahleni, Govan Mbeki, Steve Tshwete and Thaba Chweu, where numbers are on the rise.

“We are seeing the number of positive cases increasing in these towns and we have since taken it upon ourselves to visit the mines to monitor compliance,” she said.

Manzini added that even though they are complying with the health regulations, employees are still contracting the virus. “We will continue to monitor mines and the safety of mineworkers.”

She said they will use the same system they did in areas such as Nkomazi and Pixley ka Isaka Seme which proved a winning formula. “When more positive cases were reported, we went in and screened many people all at once. In this way we were able to isolate and quarantine those who tested positive. This is what we will do in all the mining towns, but we will need the cooperation of mines,” Manzini added.

Non-compliance

The MEC warned that companies that do not adhere to the set health regulations will be immediately closed.

“We will get them to close until they comply. If we allow them to continue operating, we would be putting our people at grave risk. I am happy though that since we have started, many companies and businesses have been cooperating. “Many are even willing to help and work with us, and this only proves that they are concerned and willing to save lives,” outlined Manzini.

Wearing of masks

“I would like to commend the public transport industry and retailers for enforcing the ‘no mask, no entry’ rule. This has forced people to have masks handy, but it is worrying to see many citizens not wearing them in public spaces. Covid-19 is very serious and deadly. “The correct way of wearing a mask is for it to cover your mouth and nose at all times, especially when in public. We advise that residents have at least two or more masks, so they don’t have to wear the same one every day and without washing it. Use it once and wash it,” she continued.

The role of the department

“When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the reopening of our economy, he laid down rules and regulations to be met by companies and the general public alike. For companies and businesses, these regulations include screening of employees before entering the workplace. Our role is to ensure that all these companies, factories and the general public comply with these conditions.

“We are visiting these companies and public spaces such as shopping malls to ensure they are indeed complying. Our role is to flatten the curve and we will supplement our teams to assist in this regard,” Manzini outlined.

“We are happy that our people are consulting and going to clinics. We would like to encourage them to continue looking after their health and consult nearby health facilities if they feel sick or unwell in order for healthcare workers to monitor and treat whatever diseases are encountered. This includes any ailments and chronic diseases such as diabetes, TB, high blood pressure and many more.

“Even during this difficult time, the department has in all public healthcare facilities continued to provide the full range of services to the citizenry.”