Covid-19 sites ‘pose no risk’

The Gauteng department of health has assured residents living next to a coronavirus quarantine site the community is not at risk of being infected.

“We have noted that there have been concerns raised by some community members where quarantine sites are based,” said department spokesperson Philani Mhlungu.

“And, as such, we wish to reiterate that Covid-19 is not airborne and is spread mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, in the same way influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread.

“Furthermore, the majority of infections occur in people who come into close physical contact with people already infected by the virus.”

Mhlungu said quarantine sites were community-based facilities meant to accommodate people who were not ill (therefore asymptomatic), but who had been in contact with a person who tested positive for Covid-19. As such, they might possibly become infected themselves.

“The sites also serve to host those that test positive but cannot quarantine at home. Once people are cleared of the coronavirus after waiting for [the] minimum 14day period and have undergone testing, they are then released back in their community.

“It is important for society to note that not all people at a quarantine site have Covid-19. Quarantine sites are specialised facilities that adhere to very strict management of infections to avoid spreading the virus,” said Mhlungu.

“The people under investigation are tested and kept under individual quarantine (self-quarantine) to avoid infections. Quarantine sites pose no risk to the community in the same way that hospitals and clinics that are located in communities pose no harm to society.

“They observe infection prevention control measures, which include the creation of a map of the facility, demarcating the red, yellow and green zones to outline the details of movement of healthcare and other personnel around the quarantine area and in the building.

“The map is used to regulate the movement of staff so as to limit interactions with high-risk areas and to prevent and control infections.”

Mhlungu said the facilities were manned by well-informed and trained security personnel on a 24-7 rotation basis to monitor the facility and to avoid entry of unauthorised people.

“Personnel at these facilities are trained on how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and there are designated areas for PPE donning and doffing to ensure the safety of all concerned.

“We therefore implore communities that have quarantine sites in their midst not to ostracise these critical facilities and people who work there or are attached to the facilities.” – News24 Wire