Groote Schuur’s National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has been partially and temporarily closed due to COVID-19 infections.
This laboratory is responsible for providing government testing. According to the Daily Maverick, a letter circulated on April 27 announced the urgent closure of the chemical pathology and haematology laboratories until May 1, 2020.
The letter stated that at least nine staff members working in the laboratory had tested positive for coronavirus.
Stringent measures had been put in place at the laboratories to reduce workplace transmission and increase staff awareness. In spite of this, staff still became infected. No explanation as to how has been given in the letter.
The Western Cape has experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases among essential services workers. Health care workers, supermarket workers and factory workers are among the people becoming increasingly infected by the virus.
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