13 Jan 2021

An 82-year-old woman, who was admitted at Masunga Primary Hospital, committed suicide Tuesday.

North East District Health Management Team coordinator, Ms Kelebeletse Mokobela, stated in an interview that the deceased was admitted at the hospital on Sunday with cough and unstable sugar levels.

She highlighted that the medics conducted a COVID-19 rapid test on her which came out positive.

Ms Mokobela said the old woman requested that she be observed at the hospital instead of transferring her to Matsiloje isolation centre.

The coordinator said during routine checkups, nurses found her hanging in the ward in the early hours of the morning.

She highlighted that the case was handed to police for further investigations.

Ms Mokobela indicated that it was critical to address the psychosocial aspects posed by COVID-19 in order to save patients from any psychological damage.

She noted that patients needed to be re-assured that the virus could be managed so that they would not panic upon receiving results.

Ms Mokobela further advised that people should not diagnose themselves when they experienced some COVID-19 related symptoms, but rather consult relevant officials.

The coordinator further explained that a total of 67 new cases were registered from January 6 to date, of which 50 were in isolation, 13 repatriated and four transferred to other districts.

She further stated that 50 of those cases were recorded at Ramokgwebana border while 17 were local transmissions.

Ms Mokobela said eight cases were recorded in Jackalas 1, four in Masunga and two in Tsamaya while Nlapkhwane, Mulambakwena and Mapoka registered a case each. ends