The City’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has recorded its third positive case of Covid-19.
The MMC for Public Safety, Mally Mokoena says the newest case has been reported at the Public Safety’s Integrated Intelligence Operations Centre (IIOC), located at the department’s headquarters in Martindale, west of Johannesburg. This is the unit responsible for dispatching emergency aid.
Mokoena says the affected employee has been placed in self-isolation and their family is receiving the necessary support from the City. The other two are still at home, with the first case expected to return to work next week.
The IIOC has been immediately closed and the process of deep cleaning and disinfection has been initiated.
As a temporary measure, Mokoena says the command centre function has been moved to an alternative venue for business continuity. This is to ensure that EMS continues to render emergency services to Joburg residents efficiently.
“My office and EMS will work closely with the Department of Health to ensure that all officials who may have been in contact with the affected employee are traced and the necessary procedures are followed,” the MMC says.
Mokoena adds that the City is concerned by the developing number of positive cases and plans to intensify efforts in ensuring the health of employees is safeguarded at all times.
“We also encourage officials to follow the necessary precautionary measures such as the continued and correct wearing of face masks, hand hygiene and to observe social distancing,” she says.
The MMC notes that her department has established a mini-clinic at its head office to make sure employees remain safe in the workplace.
“We will screen and test employees daily before they are granted access to both the EMS/JMPD headquarters and the IIOC building," she says.
Mokoena says the regular screening and testing of employees will be done to ensure the early and timeous identification and diagnosis of workers at risk of Covid-19.
"The early referral for appropriate treatment and care of affected workers and the protection of other staff members, consumers, visitors and clients will ensure everyone is safe from new infections,” she explains.
