Mass screening is essential for Gauteng – MEC of Health
GAUTENG – Screening remains an essential part to testing and identifying positive Covid-19 cases in Gauteng.
In order to combat the spread of the Covid-19 virus, increased screening and testing campaigns continue to mobilise across Gauteng.
According to MEC of Health Dr Bandile Masuku, the process of identifying possible contact cases of Covid-19 begins with tracing.
Gauteng has been able to trace 90 per cent of its contact cases with the help of the government’s technological advancements.
Once a suspected area has been traced, the process of screening will take place to identify suspected contact cases.
Due to a large number of high-density areas in the province, the department has rolled out a number of mobile units which will conduct mass screening and testing.
“The tracing of contacts is an important part of mass screening,” he added.
Masuku said that screening and testing have to do with high-density, high-risk areas and high vulnerability. “We are interested in areas of high vulnerability.”
The screening process is carried out by healthcare workers. “[Screening] looks at three mains aspects – history, symptoms and examination.”
Healthcare workers will note an individual’s contact history if they present any symptoms and conduct an examination of their body temperature.
Suspected cases are then referred for testing which is done by healthcare professionals.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura said these mobile units are proving to be effective, using the example of Alexandra. “In Alexandra 1 690 people were screened, 201 were tested by healthcare professionals and one person tested positive for coronavirus.”
Masuka added that since the President’s call to action on 31 March, the province had intensified its efforts. “[We have] screened 26 000 people and tested over 400 people but with a population of 15.2 million people in Gauteng, there is still a lot of screening to be done.”
He noted that the department is currently awaiting the approval of rapid test kits from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority which will allow units to carry out more testing.
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