EASTERN CAPE - 4 HEALTH DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 PROMPTING SHUTDOWN OF CALL CENTRE

Four Eastern Cape Department of Health employees assigned Covid-19 duties have tested positive for the virus, the department has announced. 

The employees are based at its call centre in East London, said the department's superintendent-general, Dr Thobile Mbengashe. 

The call centre, with a staff complement of around 80, mainly gives telephonic emergency counselling to patients. It also supports emergency responders. 

Mbengashe said the department's Covid-19 team would now trace all the people who were in contact with the employees, both at work and outside, for screening and testing.

"This screening and testing exercise will also apply to all employees in the building, including call centre staff." 

Temporarily closed

He said as a precautionary measure, the building would be temporarily closed to allow for  decontamination and deep cleaning. 

"Once that has been done, the building will reopen."

Mbengashe added it was not yet clear how the four employees contracted the virus as the health department had taken all precautionary measures and availed personal protective equipment to workers at the call centre.

The officials would now be in isolation for a period of 14 days, he said. 

In an internal memorandum to workers, which was also officially shared to the media, Mbengashe said: "Each and every one of us should at all times take extra care as this virus does not discriminate and is highly infectious. As frontline workers, you are more at risk of contracting it. 

Mobile testing unit

"Let us all be safe out there as we continue with our work of flattening the curve." 

He also wished all those who have contracted the virus a speedy recovery.

Mbengashe said arrangements have been made with Frere Hospital's mobile testing unit to test other employees who might have been in contact with the affected staff.

via - NEWS24