CITY OF CAPE TOWN
14 APRIL 2020
The efforts on the clinical front are being amplified by additional interventions from other departments to help flatten the curve and curb the spread of COVID-19. Read more below:
The City of Cape Town, in conjunction with the Western Cape Health Department and NPO partners are continuing the community-based screening and testing initiative for COVID-19 this week.
Last week, at close of business on Thursday, 9 April, more than 6 500 persons had been screened in various communities, with more than 450 tested.
Areas included in that round of screening were: Bishop Lavis, Netreg, Valhalla Park, Matroosfontein, Elsiesriver, Leonsdale, Hamonie; Brighton; Scottsdene; Klipheuwel; Fisantekraal; Durbanville; Bothasig; Ilitha park; Town 2 and Philippi.
This week, City Health is involved in screening and testing activities in Delft, Belhar, Bloekombos; Klipheuwel, Fisantekraal, Bothasig and Durbanville.
Testing is also taking place in Dunoon, Imizamo Yethu, Lotus River/ Grassy Park, Gugulethu , Nyanga, Silvertown, Heinz Park, Manenberg, Mfuleni, Macassar, Kleinvlei, Athlone, Samora Machel, Bo-Kaap and Kraaifontein.
‘We are rolling out the community based screening initiative in a few areas at a time, so that we can utilise as many resources at our disposal, before moving onto the next area. I urge residents who are approached to screen for COVID-19 to please cooperate with our community health workers and to answer the questions truthfully.
Only persons who are deemed at risk will be referred for testing, and I would hate for anyone to miss out on testing because of incorrect information provided, which could put themselves and the ones they love at risk of exposure,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The testing for COVID-19 takes a few minutes. Any person who is tested, is requested to self-isolate until their results are available. Residents who have undergone COVID-19 testing, will receive their results usually within two to three days. In the event that a test is positive, the individual will be advised on the appropriate quarantine measures, and treatment.
In addition to the screening and testing, the City is also working tirelessly to promote appropriate health and hygiene messaging in communities, along with other interventions to help limit the spread of the virus.
‘Since the national disaster declaration, the City has been empowered to start the temporary extension of basic service provision, especially to informal settlements, that have limited access to water due to these being recently occupied through land invasion or where the land is privately owned. Normally, the City would not be able to provide basic services in these areas, or not immediately, depending on the circumstances of the land or the ownership.
‘As you can imagine, this is an enormous task and one that must be done with sensitivity but great urgency. We are operating at capacity. So we also cannot have new land invasions as these will directly impact on the crisis response at the moment. I urge our residents, especially in the highest risk areas, to please support all efforts by government to assist. I call on community leaders to help us to ensure we can move forward with our temporary interventions,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.
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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town