The leadership of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) have been critical of South Africa’s coronavirus testing process. The party also slammed the media’s handling of the news that leader Kenneth Meshoe had contracted the virus.
Coronavirus testing delay causes trauma for Meshoe
Meshoe has yet to exhibit any symptoms, but he and ACDP MP Steve Swart were tested after attending a prayer meeting hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in early March. The meeting was attended by international guests who felt unwell and subsequently underwent testing.
The ACDP said that the media response prematurely labelled Meshoe COVID-19 positive putting great stress on the Reverend and his family.
Despite having now received a positive test, Meshoe has yet to exhibit any symptoms, but he has placed himself into self-isolation.
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ACDP critical of media speculation surrounding members
ACDP deputy leader Wayne Thring urged more responsible reporting from media houses regarding COVID-19 testing. Thring said that the reports were traumatic reading for the family and colleagues of Meshoe and Swart.
“Regrettably, many media houses reported that both reverend Meshoe and Mr Swart had tested positive before they had even both been tested.
“This caused much trauma to their families and colleagues.
“The ACDP can, however, now confirm that both reverend Kenneth Meshoe and Mr Steve Swart have tested positive for the coronavirus,” Thring told IOL.
Meshoe self-isolating before testing positive for coronavirus
Thring confirmed both men had been self-isolating since before receiving their test results. The ACDP are unhappy with the length of time between testing and receiving results, and Thring complained that Meshoe had to make several calls to the Department of Health before he got the news.
“This has placed unnecessary stress on him and his family, and has also resulted in unwarranted speculation in the media.
“Nonetheless, the ACDP wishes to thank the medical staff in both the public and private spheres who attended to Reverend Meshoe and Mr Swart, and all other medical staff who are on the front line of the battle against this pandemic. We are deeply grateful to them and pray for their protection,” said Thring.
Cyril Ramaphosa tests negative for COVID-19
Ramaphosa also attended the church gathering at the Divine Restoration Ministries in Ribblesdale, Bloemfontein where Meshoe and Swart are believed to have contracted the virus. The president has since tested negative for the virus and will continue to front the efforts to contain the outbreak in South Africa.
Source: The South African Read More
