Tent field hospitals set up in Gauteng as Covid-19 cases
As cases of Covid-19 surge in Gauteng, the Department of Health is increasing capacity at hospitals and has set up field hospitals in tents as it expects a dramatic increase in admissions.
On Friday Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize inspected the readiness of a tent site adjacent to the Tshwane District Hospital and Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
The government, province and City of Tshwane have also identified the Tshwane events centre, Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa and Kopanong as areas where anticipated extra needs can be met.
This comes as the premier, David Makhura became South Africa’s third provincial head to test positive for Covid-19. He is self-isolating at home. After experiencing mild symptoms the premier, who has been on the go since the virus reached the country, decided to get tested on Wednesday.
Makhura revealed his infection status a day after his health department said six members of its “Covid-19 War Room” had contracted the virus, including the head of the provincial health department, Professor Mkhululi Lukhele.
Two other provincial premiers, Alan Winde of the Western Cape and Job Mokgoro of North West province, have also tested positive for the virus. Winde has type 2 diabetes and is monitoring himself at home, while Mokgoro is in hospital in Joburg.
South Africa’s confirmed coronavirus infections have been accelerating as lockdown restrictions are eased. Cases rose by 13734 to 238339 on Thursday, the biggest single-day rise since Mkhize confirmed the virus in South Africa on March 5.
Read the full story on: IOL.