No Coronavirus as follow up tests comes out negative
A patient who was admitted for observation at Klerksdorp Hospital has been released to go home following the results of the Coronavirus test which once again came out negative. Yesterday National Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize announced that the suspected case of Coronavirus in the North West Province was tested negative but further indicating that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases will conduct further tests on the patient. The patient is now confirmed negative for the second time which confirms there is no Coronavirus case in the Province.
The patient was a 26 years old female who was suspected of COVID '19 having been transferred from Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital (JMMH) in Vryburg to Klerksdorp - Tshepong Hospital is now released to go home.
The latest results now allay fears of Coronavirus which was widespread in the Province since early yesterday.
North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha is calling for calm. "The people of North West Province can rest assured we do not have any confirmed case of Coronavirus in the Province. People must not depend on hearsay or fake news for information on Coronavirus. All tests of suspected Coronavirus cases are conducted by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the Minister announces the results whether positive or negative. I urge our people to always wait for official communication from the Department before causing an unnecessary public panic", said MEC Sambatha
MEC Madoda Sambatha also warns government officials to respect established communication and media protocols by refraining from making premature public statements before an official departmental position on matters of this nature.
- While it is confirmed that there is no Coronavirus in the Province, the public is urged to continue to apply precautionary measures such as:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
The MEC continues to lead awareness campaigns across the Province and the public is encouraged to attend to receive first-hand information, education and awareness on general management of the Coronavirus.
Enquiries:
Mr Tebogo Lekgethwane
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
