The confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa now stand at 1,380. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says this number is quite low when compared to the size of the population. He said 44,202 people have been tested largely in private laboratories and over 6,000 tests were conducted in public health NHLS. The minister unveiled the NHLS Mobile Laboratory on Wednesday, one of the new initiatives the government is implementing to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Mkhize said the new mobile testing units will scale up the capacity of testing citizens across the country. He said South Africans must be tested in large numbers to obtain a true picture of the spread of the virus and urged anyone with symptoms to come forward. Mkhize emphatically urged communities to stay at home and take the virus seriously.
SUMMARY: Health Minister updates SA on COVID-19 He said the department will procure rapid test kits and seek people to test, rather than waiting for people to come to clinics.
The Health Department is also procuring hospital beds and dedicated treatment centres across the country to anticipate hospitalisations due to the virus.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has unveiled mobile testing units for the #Covid_19SA. The labs can do 5,000 tests in one day and there will be 10 across the country. #21daysLockdownSouthAfrica #Day6OfLockdown #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/DYE2KBWNhY
— eNCA (@eNCA) April 1, 2020
Mkhize said more provisions are needed for people who cannot quarantine at home. Clinics and hospitals will be giving the department a daily tally of patients. The minister reminded South Africans that it is the conduct of the communities that will make all the difference in fighting COVID-19. Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday Help protect your loved ones by sharing this official South African government COVID-19 service with your family, friends and community. Send HI to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp.
The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.
In other news – Ntsiki Mazwai strikes again, attacks Bonang Matheba over her Champagne
She has been known for her controversial critics on many public figures and it seems she is no stopping anytime soon with such deeds. Ntsiki Mazwai has taken a slight jab at Bonang Matheba again, this time questioning her influence in communities.
Her cryptic tweet had people confused if she was referencing her catchy phrase ‘Champagne Darling’ or was it a direct aim at Queen B. Read more
Source: eNCA
