Gauteng has recorded over half of the country’s COVID-19 cases to date, and the province has come out with extra measures to curb the spread of the virus.
As of Saturday 21 March, South Africa has reported 240 confirmed cases, with 125 coming from the country’s heaviest populated province.
It has also been the heaviest hit in terms of the deadly global pandemic, and in measures to curb its rapid spread, the provincial health department has introduced new regulations.
Gauteng health department introduces new regulations against COVID-19 spread
- All elective surgeries are hereby cancelled (these are surgeries that are planned in advance rather than those done in an emergency situation).
- Elective surgery with planned high care should be rescheduled to maintain surgical capacity.
- All annual health events are cancelled.
- The Out Patient Department (OPD) will reduce the number of patient visits by using the appointment system
- A separate area for patients with flu-like symptoms to be identified in facilities.
- Thuthuzela Health Care Centre services to be extended beyond providing Forensic Services.
- Increase the number of chronic patients to be linked with Centralized Chronic Medical Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD), and patients to be provided with 3 months’ supply of medication, and repeat script for six months.
- Patients will also be encouraged to use Pele Boxes for collection of medication.
- Restrictions on visiting hours in facilities. Only two people per patient will be allowed, with one person per patient for no more than 15 minutes.
Gauteng health department grapples with global pandemic
These come just after the province has had to approach the courts to deal with potential mass transmissions of the coronavirus.
Earlier in the week, a family had to be traced down after the father refused to be tested for the coronavirus, despite his wife and daughter testing positive.
More recently, a church in Katlehong was handed a court order, following a tip-off from the community. This was despite government enforcing a ban of public gatherings of 100 people and above.
On Sunday, SA President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation, possibly introducing some extra measures against the virus.
Source: The South African Read More
