Publicist Lerato Sengadi is currently in self-isolation after visiting Europe recently, and she has shared her experience of the testing process. The publicist and activist, who is also the late rapper HHP’s widow, took to Twitter to express her frustration about what she claimed were vast differences between communications disseminated by the government and the actual experience she had when testing for the virus.
The South African government has advised people to call 08000 29999 instead of going to the doctor if they suspect they may have the virus. Lerato called the number and broke down her experiences.
“I called the line after starting to have flu symptoms. Ordinarily, I would get over-the-counter meds, but because I was recently in Europe I wanted to do the responsible thing and get checked. I called twice and both times the consultants said I should go to the doctor and into self-isolation, which is obviously contradictory to the messages circulating. They said there is no free testing. Testing cannot be done at the doctor but at a hospital,” she wrote. She said when she got to the doctor, she had to pay R1,500 for a nasal swab and was told to self-isolate as a precautionary measure.
Read the full thread below.
Guys this info that has been circulating below ISNT TRUE!!! I’m speaking from my experience in the past 24hrs. Here’s how it played out:
1) I called the line after starting to have flu symptoms. Ordinarily I would get over the counter meds but bcos I was recently in Europe… pic.twitter.com/IvZoDwSkfs
— Lerato Motho Sengadi (@Leratolicious) March 13, 2020
It’s R1500 for the test. But 1st u must visit the dr so u can get a referral letter cos without u won’t get tested. Medical aid will only refund if ur positive,if not, STOL! So I basically need R2K! It’s a fucken shit show!!!!! https://t.co/45kFWfJ6mo
— Lerato Motho Sengadi (@Leratolicious) March 15, 2020
In other news – Amanda du-Pont dragged for going overseas while the coronavirus outbreak intensified
Amanda du-Pont has been accused of “recklessness” after she posted on social media that she was heading to Turkey amid the spread of coronavirus and encouraged people on her platforms to do the same. On Instagram at the weekend, Amanda gushed about still being able to travel, thanks to “safety precautions” Turkish Airlines had taken. Read more
Source: Timeslive