Media Statement from Western Cape Government
In the fight against the coronavirus, Government is busy with an active program through the COVID-19 Home Visits program. We are trying to find people who might need help. We need to talk to people to find out whether they need to go for testing so we can refer them for treatment. We will focus specifically on vulnerable people and communities.
As part of the COVID-19 Screening and Testing programme, the Western Cape Government Health will intensify its community screening and testing in the coming weeks.
Since 14 April 2020, our health teams worked in various areas in the Breede Valley area. For daily notices where screening and testing is being done, please visit our Facebook-page. (Link to the page to be found on our home page right hand side.)
Community screening and testing outreaches are aimed at finding as many people as possible who might need help. Screening means that teams will go on door-to-door visits and ask a few questions and refer those who need to be tested to the correct site. The more people our teams can talk to (screen) the better chance we have at stopping the spread and in doing so, keep our vulnerable community members safe. The questions will mainly focus on whether or not a person has symptoms of illness at the moment (a sore throat, a cough or fever). These questions need to be answered honestly.
During the community screening and testing the support of the community is essential for the success in stopping the spread of the virus. Our health teams are identifiable by their badges and clothing/uniform and allow them to screen you.
If you are referred for testing, be assured these tests are safe. Testing for coronavirus is done by a medical doctor taking a swab in your throat and nose. The results will become available in 24-48 hours so please ensure you give your correct contact details to the health worker so they can contact you.
While you await your results, we ask that you please quarantine at home in a separate room, if possible. We appeal to people who need to quarantine to stay home and not have visitors. If you cannot quarantine at home, speak to the health worker who will advise on further assistance.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue practicing the 5 Golden Rules of Good Hygiene and, where possible to wear a cloth mask. Remember the Golden rules of prevention: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, keep surfaces clean, do not touch your face, cough and sneeze in your elbow fold, keep 1,5m away from people, and stay at home. We also recommend the use of a 3-layer cloth face mask.
We appreciate the community’s continued support and ask them not to discriminate against COVID-19 survivors but to support them as they no longer pose a health risk.
Screening and testing at other sites:
Note: community screening is not the only place where screening is possible. Other methods of screening for COVID-19 include:
- Self-assessment risk tool (https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/sars-cov-2-risk-assessment-form)
- Any Primary Healthcare facility is able to conduct screening (please be sure to call ahead)
- There are a number of dedicated sites (Testing and Triage centres where screening can be done). In the Breede Valley area, Worcester Hospital is equipped for this service.
- Private clients may be referred via their GP’s to private laboratories for testing.
Last modified: February 4, 2021
