In a bid to flatten the curve of Covid-19 infections, the Office of the Gauteng Premier has rolled-out a mass screening and testing campaign for staff working in government institutions in the province, including the City of Johannesburg from Tuesday, 5 until Saturday, 30 May.
The mass screening and testing campaign – under the auspices of the Gauteng Transversal Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP) – will be rolled out in two categories.
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Category A encompasses essential service workers, security personnel, and general as well as support staff who have been returning to work under level 4 lockdown regulations. Category B will target employees who were working from home and will be returning to work post the lockdown.
The programme will cover the municipalities of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, the West Rand and Tshwane.
The City of Joburg remains at the pinnacle of curbing the pandemic and has rolled out a massive public testing campaign in its seven regions and informal settlements. It has availed about 21 clinics across the municipality as testing centres for symptomatic residents. The municipality has also established a 24-hour Joint Operations Centre at its headquarters, the Metro Centre to assist local residents with any emergencies during the country’s national state of disaster.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Cllr Geoff Makhubo urges residents that are symptomatic to get tested at the closest testing and screening station in their Region. Residents of Joburg who wish to locate clinics made available for Covid-19 screening should telephone the City’s 24-hour centre on 010 224 0932, says Makhubo.
“It is incumbent on us to help flatten the curve and fight this coronavirus. Please continue wearing your masks when going out, practice social distancing and Hlapa Matsoho (Wash hands regularly),” the Mayor adds.
Provincial and local government employees who want more information about the mass screening and testing campaign can contact Mandu Menze 076 447 7973 or email menyezwa.menze@gauteng.gov.za.
On Friday, 1 May the country downgraded to level 4 lockdown as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which comes with slightly relaxed conditions, allowing people limited time to exercise, more products in the shops, takeaway deliveries by some restaurants and a curfew between 8pm and 5am, unless a person has a permit or is working a nightshift.
According to Health authorities, people may show symptoms of the novel coronavirus after 14 days of acquired infection. Most common indicators of Covid-19 are fever, tiredness and a dry cough.
Written by Takalani Sioga
