Staff Reporter
Free State health authorities are worried regular cross-border movements between Thabo Mofutsanyana district and the neighbouring Lesotho and other major centres in the country could have contributed to a recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases in that area.
Latest daily figures released by the health department indicate that out of the 469 new cases recorded over a 24-hour period ending January 24, Thabo Mofutsanyana district had 229 cases, nearly 49 percent of the total.
Provincial health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi told The Free Stater that this marked increase in COVID-19 cases in the district has prompted authorities to intensify contact tracing and ensuring that those who test positive for the coronavirus immediately go into quarantine to limit the spread of the disease.
“The cross-border factor with Lesotho and other migration to places like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal could have contributed to this increase in cases,” said Mvambi in a written response.
The district includes Maluti-a-Phofung, Setsoto, Dihlabeng, Mantsopa, Phumelela and Nketoana local municipalities.
Mvambi said to ensure the situation is put under control, the provincial health department has intensified efforts to trace those who may have made contact with all positive so they can be screened and tested where necessary.
“We do contact tracing and quarantine those unable to safely quarantine at home. We encourage the sick to seek urgent medical help,” he added.
The total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province now stand at 73 792 with 61 374 or 83 percent recoveries.
Of those infected, at least 12 percent or 8 488 are below the age of 20 years.
From the last count, Mangaung Metro had 76 new cases, Fezile Dabi 86, Lejweleputswa 56 and Xhariep 22.
At least 2 625 deaths have been reported in the province since the first outbreak of the pandemic in the province in March last year.
The provincial case fatality rate is 3.6 percent.
Most of the deaths are occurring in the older age groups of 45 years and above – at least 2 290 of deaths were recorded in that category.