This is according to the premier, Job Mokgoro, during his address on the state of readiness of his province in case of an outbreak. He says the complex has also formed a management committee, specifically for Covid-19, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Clinical Manager. Addressing the media in Mahikeng on Wednesday 18 March 2020 on the preparedness of the province, Mokgoro says six individuals were earlier tested by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NCID) and their tests results came back negative.

So far 116 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed by the Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, and not a single positive case has been reported in the North West so far.

“We have developed an intensified community awareness programme targeting communities, churches, traditional healers, health practitioners, and tribal authorities. Material has been developed and is in circulation wherein we have developed 24 900 pamphlets in English and a further 12 000 in Setswana, which is being distributed as from today,” he adds.

Mokgoro announced that health officials have also stepped up their presence at the four remaining ports of entry that are operational following the closure of five of the nine ports shared between the province and the Republic of Botswana.

“We will, therefore, be taking a cue from [president Cyril Ramaphosa] and encourage citizens of the province to take precautionary measures to combat [the spread] of this virus by social distancing of one meter and also by not holding any gathering of more than a 100 people,” he further adds.

Mokgoro says they have assessed theses ports for its readiness and strengthened capacity by appointing seven additional environmental officials to the five that have already been provided by the Department of Health. On Tuesday 17 March 2020 minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the closure of 35 of 72 as part of the national disaster declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday night that the gathering of more than 100 people, amongst others, was prohibited due to the outbreak. He also issued a travel ban involving all high-risk countries such as Italy, China, and Iran, amongst others.

OFM News