Staff Reporter
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has warned people to be cautious and exercise good hygienic standards and minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 because the disease is real and not selective.
“COVID-19 is real, coronavirus is real,” said Mkhize when he addressed the media this Thursday at Twin City Mall in Heidedal, Bloemfontein, where he visited one of the designated mass screening sites in the city.
“It does affect people . . . but we can defeat it. You need to listen to the guidelines that you are given. You must listen to what is being said as the way to fight it. If we fight together, we can defeat the virus,” he added.
Mkhize, who was accompanied by Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela, urged people to stay at home during the lockdown and only leave when there is an important reason to do so, like going to buy food or medication.
“Please, avoid getting yourself infected. It’s important to keep a safe distance from others. Always wash your hands and maintain good hygiene. Stand a good distance from those that are coughing,” warned the minister.
The other mass screening site in the city was at Caleb Motshabi Informal settlement.
Meanwhile, Duduza Clinic in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, has been closed indefinitely after one of its nurses tested positive for COVID-19.
The nurse is said to have attended a prayer breakfast at the Divine Restoration Ministries in Bloemfontein on March 10.
African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader, the Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, ACDP MP Steve Swart and popular televangelist Angus Buchan are among those who tested positive after attending the same church event.
Respected religious elder John Hlangeni, 85, of the Global Reconciliation Church, succumbed to COVID-19 on Tuesday at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein after one of his pastors attended the ill-fated religious conference.
He became the first person in the province to die from the disease, while his 81-year-old wife also tested positive and is admitted in hospital.
The Divine Restoration Church conference took place from March 9-11.
Over 300 people are said to have attended the conference where they are believed to have come into contact with five overseas guests who later tested positive to the deadly virus after showing symptoms.
Authorities have said Duduza Clinic and its surroundings will be sanitised during the period of closure to destroy any traces of the coronavirus.