Staff Reporter
The Bethlehem police station in the eastern Free State has been temporarily closed after one of its officers tested positive for COVID-19.
A statement issued Thursday by national police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said the station had been closed to allow for decontamination before it could be open to the public again.
“All communities serviced by the Bethlehem police station are advised that this police station is currently closed (after) one of its members . . . tested positive for the COVID-19,” Naidoo said in the statement.
“The community service centre will now be operating from the Sederhof Bulding which is (at) 25 Baartman Street, Bethlehem,” he added.
Residents in the area have been advised to call 10111 for all emergencies and complaints as all telephone lines at the police station will not be accessible during this period.
The Bethlehem Operational Command Centre will be handling all enquiries.
“The building is currently undergoing decontamination and the community will be informed when the Bethlehem station will be operational again,” the national police spokesperson said.
The Free State now has 148 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
At least 108 people have recovered from the disease since the first case was reported in the province at the end of March, while six people have succumbed to it.
Nationally, the figure now stands at 12 739 with 5 576 recoveries and 238 deaths.