Western Cape Government Health is rolling out community screening and testing for the coronavirus across the Cape today, Monday, April 6. The door-to-door screening service is being enforced to help identify those that have COVID-19 symptoms and require further testing.
“We must ensure that our vulnerable communities are screened and tested in greater numbers to ensure our people are protected against the spread of the COVID-19 disease,” says Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, MEC for Health in Western Cape.
This week, testing will begin in these select areas:
Cape Town Metro sub-districts
– Khayelitsha: Town2 and Ilitha Park (Monday)
– Eastern: Happy Valley (Monday)
– Tygerberg: Bishop Lavis (Monday)
– Western: Bo-Kaap (Tuesday)
– Klipfontein: Philippi (Tuesday)
Rural districts
– Kwanonqaba, Mossel Bay (Monday)
– Mbekweni, Cape Winelands (Monday)
How it works:
Trained field workers will use simple, verbal health-related questions to identify people who may require testing. These healthcare workers will be identifiable by their uniforms and ID cards. Members of the public are advised to request your healthcare workers credentials to ensure they are legitimate.
Those that require further testing will be referred to the nearest testing centre. At the testing centre, a healthcare professional will take a swab of your nose and throat. The test results will not be immediately available but patients will be followed up and advised of their status.
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