This is according to William Bulwane, MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, who emphasised agriculture is classified as an essential service by government during the national lockdown in government's effort to prevent the spread of the Covid-19-pandemic. Bulwane says there are now more focus on farmworkers as well and the department has met with three local agricultural organisations representing farmers in the province to discuss the approach that needs to be followed regarding, among others, safety measures on farms during the national lockdown. These organisations include, among others, Free State Agriculture and the African Farmers Association of South Africa, Afasa. Bulwane also referred to an auction held in Kroonstad on March 24, where a farmer believe to be Covid-19 positive attended... OFM News' Christal-Lize Muller spoke to Bulwane...  

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Bulwane says in the department's approach to the Covid-19-pandemic, he has also been in contact with large agricultural companies like Sparta and Itau. He visited the Itau milling and animal feeds in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. The reason for his visit is to mainly establish their compliance measures. Bulwane has also visited farms in the province to make farmers and their workers aware of the importance of hygiene during the pandemic, especially following safety regulations, like washing hands. He says hygiene is of utmost importance especially using sanitisers and safety masks, as well as gloves. The department has also handed over some of these essentials even though they also have limited stock available. 

Bulwane also urgently appealed to people who attended a livestock auction on March 24 at Kroonstad to come forward if they show symptoms of the coronavirus.  He told OFM News a farmer who have been tested positive for Covid-19 attended the auction that took place prior to the national lockdown.

He urges people showing symptoms to contact the provincial health department in order for them to be screened and tested if necessary. He also confirmed another farmer from Harrismith in the province is receiving treatment in die Mediclinic Hoogland in Bethlehem, after he tested positive for the Covid-19-virus. Bulwane says the farmer's wife and daughter, both Covid-19 positive, are in self quarantine at home. 

Bulwane also encourages people showing symptoms to visit their nearest clinic or call a medical practitioner for rapid response. He says the name of the farmer attending the auction was not provided but it will be dealt with accordingly.

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