Health authorities in the Overberg confirmed that eight staff members at Otto du Plessis Hospital in Bredasdorp have tested positive for Covid-19.
Roche Butler, spokesperson for the Overberg Health Department, confirmed that the first two staff members tested positive on 12 and 15 October respectively and have since completed their isolation period.
“All active staff members are currently in isolation. As per protocol, all our staff who experience symptoms or have been close contacts, are immediately asked to quarantine and test where necessary,” Butler added. None of the eight staff members had to be hospitalised.
She gave the assurance that all necessary protocols were followed to ensure that no further infections take place.
“The hospital is cleaned and sanitised regularly according to hygiene protocol. In line with infection control protocol, all affected areas were immediately sanitised when the positive test results were received. Patients are temporarily moved out of their rooms while the cleaning process takes place and moved back once completed.”
The emergency centre and maternity unit, said Butler, remain operational. She added: “New admissions will be transported to neighbouring sub-district hospitals. All patients currently admitted at the facility will remain at the facility.”
In recent days there have been increasing reports of a rise in active Covid-19 cases across the country and the Overberg is no exception. Butler confirmed that the amount of active cases increased from 54 (14 days ago) to 124 cases within the last seven days.
Deaths in the Overberg have increased gradually since the start of the pandemic with a general death rate of 2,5%. Authorities state that most of the deceased had underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and chronic kidney disease. “Although we have not had a substantial increase in COVID-19 deaths we are concerned that residents are not adhering to safety regulations,” said Butler.
She urged everyone to remain vigilant and protect themselves and their loved ones by following the five ways to safe and staying away from crowded areas.
The five ways to stay safe are:
1. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or rub with hand sanitiser.
2. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
3. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands thoroughly.
4. Always keep a distance of 1.5 metres from other people and wear a clean cloth mask.
5. Stay home if you feel sick. Seek emergency care if you struggle to breathe.
