The University of Cape Town (UCT) confirmed its fifth case of coronavirus on Friday 27 March.
The news comes on the same day Health Minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed the country’s first two deaths in relation to the coronavirus. He also added that the total number of confirmed cases have surpassed 1 000 as of Friday morning.
UCT confirms a fifth case of COVID-19. The latest case involves a student. UCT previously confirmed four other cases – three staff members and a student: https://t.co/9uOdjADKsx pic.twitter.com/sKTJxlFwnz
— UCT (@UCT_news) March 27, 2020
Second UCT student tests positive for coronavirus
UCT confirmed that the fifth case happens to be another student.
“We previously confirmed four other cases — three colleagues and one student — this brings the total now to five. Unlike the previous four cases, this case was confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal,” said UCT vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Health confirmed the case through the prescribed protocol and is caring for the student and conducting contact tracing.
“Please note we are committed to maintain confidentiality in relation to the medical conditions of staff and students. This includes the information in relation to testing for whatever infectious or non-infectious diseases a person may have and is an important ethical imperative,” she added.
Confidentiality code
The university added that breaking confidentiality and naming people who have been tested positive goes against all moral codes.
“Naming people in emails or over social media platforms, or releasing information about them that could identify them, must please be avoided,” said Phakeng.
“We wish our colleagues and students well and a speedy return to good health. As our country commences our national lockdown, I wanted to let each of you know — staff and students — that myself and the UCT leadership are thinking of each and everyone of you as we commit as a nation to fighting this pandemic,” she added.
Day one of lockdown
Friday marks day one of lockdown. Here’s how it’s supposed to go:
South Africans are supposed to remain inside their homes for the next 21 days. They are only supposed to leave if they urgently need food or medical supplies.
Here’s how the lockdown is actually going:
Gauteng, is according to many reports, not handling the lockdown as well as some would have hoped. There have been cases of taxis filling their vehicles with passengers, despite a lockdown, despite a passenger limit and despite specified travel times.
There have also been crowds of people out on the streets in Alexandra, Gauteng. People have been queuing up at shops and ignoring the general advice of social distancing. Some have also made non-essential travel.
Source: The South African Read More
