GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT NEWS - More than 18 000 people have been screened and more than 100 referred for testing for COVID-19 in the Garden Route District since the start of the Western Cape Health Department's community screening and testing programme on 6 April.
"The community screening and testing outreaches are aimed at finding as many people as possible who might need help. Screening means that teams will go on door-to-door visits and ask a few questions and refer those who need to be tested to the correct site," said Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape MEC of Health.
"The more people our teams can talk to (screen) the better chance we have at stopping the spread and in doing so, keep our vulnerable community members safe. The questions will mainly focus on whether or not a person has symptoms of illness at the moment (a sore throat, a cough or fever). These questions need to be answered honestly."
She called on the community for their support. The health teams are identifiable by their badges and uniforms or clothing.
Statistics for Garden Route screening from 6 – 28 April:
- Bitou sub-district: 4 252 people screened and 7 referred for testing
- George sub-district: 5 068 people screened and 29 referred for testing
- Kannaland sub-district: 3 039 people screened and 5 referred for testing
- Mossel Bay sub-district: 6 165 people screened and 63 referred for testing
"If you are referred for testing, be assured these tests are safe. Testing for coronavirus is done by taking a swab in your nose. The results will become available in 2-3 days so please ensure you give your correct contact details to the health worker so they can contact you.
"While you await your results, we ask that you please quarantine at home in a separate room, if possible. We appeal to people who need to quarantine to stay home and not have visitors. If you cannot quarantine at home, speak to the health worker who will advise on facilities that are available for isolation and quarantine," said Mbombo.
She encouraged members of the public to continue practising the 5 golden rules for hygiene and to wear a cloth mask. "The golden rules of prevention are: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, keep surfaces clean, do not touch your face, cough and sneeze in your elbow fold, keep 1,5m away from people, and stay at home."
Note: Community screening is not the only place where screening is possible. Other methods of screening for COVID-19 include:
* Self-assessment risk tool
* Any primary healthcare facility is able to conduct screening (please be sure to call ahead)
* There are a number of dedicated sites (Testing and Triage centres where screening can be done)
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