DURBAN - President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced the commencement of a mass screening and testing programme to detect Covid - 19 infections.
“In the coming days, the government will be rolling out a screening, testing, tracing and medical management programme on a huge scale,” said Ramaphosa. “Around 10,000 field workers will be visiting homes in villages, towns and cities to screen residents for Covid-19 symptoms,” added president Ramaphosa.
However, concerns regarding the authenticity of the people knocking on doors and ensuring that they were not would-be criminals were raised in several sectors of society.
In an interview with Radio 702, the deputy director of the health, Dr Yogan Pillay said that the field workers will be required to carry their identification badges, wear their uniform as well as carry their official ID documents.
The South African Police Service will accompany the field-workers to ensure a smooth operation and also protect workers.
Pillay went on to mention that community leaders will be alerted about the presence of field workers in their areas. They could in turn alert the community as to when the screening process will take place.
He said more than half of the expected amount of field workers would have been brought on board by Tuesday and that the expected number of 10,000 would be achieved in the days to follow.
Here's some safety guidelines ;
- Always ask for identification before allowing anyone onto your property
- Verify identification by calling local police or councillor before allowing anyone into your home
- Stay vigilant and aware at all times
- Keep your property doors and gates secure
- If you suspect something suspicious, call 10111
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