Virus death comes as blow to Bo-Kaap
A BO-KAAP resident who had tested positive for Covid-19 died at the weekend prompting health officials to conduct door-to door test screening in the area.
The family of 81-year-old Kulsum Cassiem confirmed that she had tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday and said she passed away on Saturday.
They said it was difficult to say how she had contracted the virus.
Covid-19 Bo-Kaap Community Response Team spokesperson Shafwaan Laubscher said there was one other positive case in the area.
“It’s imperative that pre-screening from the Department of Health occurs as soon as possible. Bo-Kaap is such a tight-knit community where people gathered daily for social or religious meetings before the lockdown period was put in place. This is when people could have been in contact with other people who may have had the virus,” he said.
Laubscher said the pre-screening would be done door-to-door and the DOH officials, based on pre-screening results, will advise if a person should go for the physical test, which should happen concurrently and within the area.
“We are still awaiting granular details from DOH as to how that will come into effect in its entirety,” he said.
Covid-19 BKCRT lead co-ordinator Masturah Adam said: “Cassiem was one of the most wonderful people in the area, known to be a very humble, kind and generous person.
“I have known her since my teenage days. Sadly, we have lost an elder who formed part of the living heritage in Bo-Kaap. The old and vulnerable form part of this living heritage and they need to be looked after and cared for.”
Adams said the other Covid-19 positive person, Mogamat Salie, was discharged from hospital on Friday. He will be in self-isolation and is currently being taken cared of by his children.
“Exposure and risk remain much greater in Bo-Kaap due to the many visitors in the area. Two people being admitted to hospital after being tested positive is far too many for a small area like this,” she said.
Premier Alan Winde said community screening would have commenced yesterday. Bo-Kaap would be one of the sub-districts to be tested.