‘Dangerous’ fake news swab test slammed
PREMIER Alan Winde has condemned as dangerous and fake news reports, including a video, circulating on social media suggesting that swabs being used for coronavirus testing are contaminated.
In his daily update of the Covid-19 situation in the province Winde said: “SAPS has indicated to us today that they are investigating this instance of spreading fake news, and I hope the appropriate steps are taken against the person responsible.
“This kind of messaging is not only inaccurate, it is also dangerous as people could put their own health, and the health of those around them, at risk by not getting tested when they should in fact get tested,” said Winde.
Clarifying the process, Winde gave a step-by-step description of how screening would be carried out and said: “The screening process which we are rolling out entails the following: Community Health workers will go door-to-door to ask people standard questions; depending on the answers, some people will be asked to present themselves for testing; testing will be done in either a mobile unit, or at the nearest health facility – community members will be advised where to go.
“At the health facility/mobile unit, social distancing measures will be put in place. The test will be performed as a mouth swab, which is clinically safe. The community member will be advised to quarantine themselves while awaiting their test result, which can take approximately two days.”
Winde added: “If the test is positive for Covid-19, the person will be contacted and the process of isolation will be explained to them. If they are unable to isolate themselves in their current home situation, arrangements will be made for them to be transferred to a safe isolation facility. Their recent close contacts will also be contacted by a tracing team. This screening is not something to be afraid of. It is part of our country’s effort to stop the spread of the virus by making sure those who are sick are identified and cared for.”
As at noon yesterday , there were 26 patients in hospital, of whom 12 were in ICU.