Where can you test for the virus
With the Covid-19 virus continuing to spread around the world and beginning to have more and more of an impact on the Garden Route, you’re probably wondering where you can get tested.
The Western Cape Department of Health has put in place a number of measures to help combat the spread of the disease in its hospitals and health facilities.
“Western Cape Government Health is adjusting in-hospital visiting protocol to limit the growing risk around the possible transmission of Covid-19,” said spokesperson Nadia Ferreira. “This adjustment is in line with the principles of social distancing to limit interaction and in doing slowing and stopping the spread of Covid-19.”
There is now only one visitor allowed per patient in all wards, there will be no rotation of visitors, and no children under 12 years are allowed to visit. “When visiting any facilities, visitors can expect to be asked a number of questions (screened) before entry will be granted,” Ferreira said.
How does it work in a subdistrict?
If you think you might have Covid-19 because you match the case definition, you can call the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) hotline on 0800 029 999 or the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102. “You will be advised what to do next. If you match the case definition and want to go to your health facility, please call them first to alert them that you will be visiting,” Ferreira advised. “Only people matching the case definition will be tested.”
You match the case definition for Covid-19 if you have a flu-like illness and have travelled to an area where Covid-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community or had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19.
Knysna/Bitou
Patients who meet the criteria will be tested for the virus at the facility where they are present. All clinics in Knysna and Bitou, as well as Knysna Provincial Hospital, are able to test, but please call the facility first if you think you might have Covid-19. Only the main entrance is available for the public at Knysna Provincial Hospital.
Testing sites:
There are a number of state/government sites where the public can be tested in the Knysna/Plettenberg Bay areas.
Knysna:
Knysna Provincial Hospital, Hornlee Clinic, Karatara Satellite, Heurhoek Clinic, Khayalethu Clinic, Knysna Town Clinic, Sedgefield Clinic, Knysna Community Day Centre.
Plettenberg Bay:
Crags Clinic, Kranshoek Clinic, Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre, New Horizon Clinic, Plettenberg Bay Clinic, Wittedrif Satellite.
At private healthcare facilities, doctors will ask patients a series of questions and based on the results thereof, the patients will be contacted by one of the laboratories – Pathcare and Ampath – to determine when an appointment can be made to conduct testing.
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News