COVID-19: North West, Free State begin large-scale screening

The North West and the Free State are out the blocks in terms of mass COVID-19 screening, as promised by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africa is currently grappling with the novel virus, which has infected over 1 500 people nationwide, resulting in seven deaths.

Mass screening rolled out in North West and Free State

With the country in the midst of a 21-day national lockdown, Ramaphosa announced a roll-out of mass screenings to identified those who could potentially be infected with the coronavirus.

“In the coming days, government will be rolling out a screening, testing, tracing and medical management programme on a huge scale,” said Ramaphosa as the addressed the nation on Monday.

“Around 10 000 field workers will be visiting homes in villages, towns and cities to screen residents for Covid-19 symptoms.”

“People who are infected with coronavirus but who have no or moderate symptoms will remain in isolation at home or at a facility provided by government. Those with severe symptoms will be transferred to hospitals.”

By Saturday, parts of the North West and Free State had already set up screening sites, which got up and running on the weekend.

The Free State health department urged the community to come forward and visit their centres.

“You are asked to avail yourself for screening to determine your eligibility to test for COVID-19,” the department said in a statement.

The province’s capital, Bloemfontein houses the Divine Restoration Ministries, where a number of congregants had to be traced after coming into contact with five foreign nationals, who tested positive for COVID-19.

Among the high-profile names who attended the congregation’s church service were ACDP members of parliament, leader Kenneth Meshoe and chief whip Steve Swartz.

Where and when you can get COVID-19 screening

Free State 

The Free State mass screening is scheduled to start at 10:00 until 17:00 at the following areas, during the following dates;

4 April

Freedom Square 

Turflaagte

6-8 April

Bloemfontein Phases 5, 7 and 9

Bergman

Bloemspruit

9 April

Rocklands

10 April

Bloemanda

Bloemfontein Phase 2

The Free State health department will be repeating any sites that still have outstanding contacts to be screened on 11 to 16 April.

North West

7 April

Bojanala Platinum District – Rustenburg And Brits

8 April

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District – Vryburg

9 April

Dr Kenneth Kaunda – Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp