Klerksdorp screens officials as surrounding communities confirm positive cases

The campaign to curb the spread of COVID-19 in correctional facilities is being intensified at the Klerksdorp Management Area, as Aurum Institute conducted mass screening of about 187 officials at the Area Commissioner’s office and Community Corrections. The Aurum Institute is a global leading healthcare organisation that has partnered with the National Department of Health to amplify the national Covid-19 response.

The official roll-out of the mass screening and testing of officials and inmates in DCS was launched on 8 April 2020 by Minister Ronald Lamola in Johannesburg Management Area. Following the launch, the process has been continued to other management areas throughout the country. Klerksdorp started with the screening of correctional officials on 23 April.

The practice of social distancing was observed during the screening process, as officials were permitted to enter the screening venue in small groups of four. Each member was assisted by a trained Covid-19 champion to source relevant information using a formulated set of questions to help identify high risk factors.

Based on research, it is advisable that when a person is screened and they are found to have recently travelled to high risk countries or had a contact with a confirmed case, they should self-isolate and be referred for testing. Although there are no suspicious cases found in Klerksdorp, there are about 5 confirmed cases in the Dr Kaunda District Municipal area where the facility is located. The official launch of mass screenings, led by the Health MEC, Madoda Sambatha, has revealed COVID-19 positive cases in the district.

The screening process was deliberately fused with awareness on COVID–19, in the form of training and handing over of information flyers. Officials were encouraged to continue practicing good hygiene by regularly washing and sanitizing their hands. They were also advised to wear masks when in public spaces. The mass screening will continue in Klerksdorp to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in all facilities in the Management Area.

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