Patients battle to self-isolate

been in contact with someone in quarantine to monitor themselves during this period.”

Makeleni said he was shocked when he was informed that the four Dunoon residents had been sent back to the community on Monday.

“I know all four because I was the person who had to make numerous phone calls to the health department for them to be quarantined there in the first place.

“Some stayed almost a week before being moved,” he said.

Provincial health spokesperson Mark van der Heever, however, said only one patient was discharged a few days later. “The reason is, the patient was already in isolation at home prior to being admitted to the facility.

“They did not need to be admitted for the full 14 days as they already did part of their quarantine period outside of the facility and only required to complete the remaining days at the site,” said Van der Heever.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize yesterday urged that those admitted for Covid-19 not be discharged yet, and that those who could not self-quarantine be accommodated.

“People who might have been infected may be admitted in a ward and moved to field hospital beds where they will be treated without having to spend time in hospital, because they cannot go home where they might infect relatives.

“People should be kept, even if they don’t feel so sick,” said Mkhize.

By yesterday, the Western Cape had recorded 3771 confirmed cases of Covi-19 infection and 72 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Presidency said public and staff access to the Union Buildings had been limited following confirmation that a staff member had tested positive for Covid-19.