City family members test negative for coronavirus
IT was a long wait after being tested on Monday, but the tension broke on Friday when four family members linked to the city’s only confirmed case of coronavirus were declared negative.
‘The anxiety was suffocating,’ said Lynne Govender, grandmother of the five-year-old Richards Bay Primary Grade R girl whose condition prompted early closure of the school and spread grave concern among other parents.
‘My husband and I were physically deteriorating as the week went by because of the apprehension and anxiety as we waited for confirmation of our status.
‘It didn’t help that people were posting stuff that I was positive, adding to the upset state.
‘Thankfully, we and the two children at home are in the clear.’
‘It also put pressure on my place of employment, Pam Golding Estates, as negative comments were also being shared in relation to my work situation and colleagues.
‘On the other hand, we thank all those who sent us caring and loving messages and also went out to buy groceries and other necessities for us.’
Pupil situation
Meanwhile, Dr Wim Watson of the Caredoc medical practice confirmed on Friday that of 29 patients who were tested at a private laboratory, 24 returned negative and five results were still outstanding.
The all-clear patients included the mother and father of the Grade R pupil, one of her classmates and another pupil from the same school.
Results for the other four pupils tested should be known today (Monday).