Screening and testing for Covid-19 gets underway

A fieldworker screening residents. Photo Simphiwe Mbokazi/ African News Agency (ANA)
The province starts community screening and testing for coronavirus (Covid-19) today, this  is in line with national government’s announcement that fieldworkers will commence with an active community screening and testing programme. 

As South Africa has 1655 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, health services are actively trying to find people, who might be infected and send them for testing so they can receive treatment.

Those who have mild symptoms will be asked to self-quarantine where possible. If not, government will provide accommodation.

Health MEC Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo said: “We must ensure that our vulnerable communities are screened and tested in greater numbers to ensure our people are protected against the spread of the Covid-19 disease.”

Screening will be conducted door-to-door by trained field workers using simple verbal questions to identify people who may require testing. 

Community screening and testing will start at:

Cape Town Metro sub-districts

Khayelitsha: Town2 and Ilitha Park (Monday April 6)

Eastern: Happy Valley (Monday April 6)

Western: Bo-Kaap (Tuesday April 7)

Tygerberg: Bishop Lavis (Monday April 6)

Klipfontein: Philippi (Tuesday April 7)