14 Feb 2021

The number of active COVID-19 cases registered by Kgalagadi North District Health Management (KDHMT) stands at 86.

Out of these, 81 are in facility isolation and five in home isolation, according to the District Rapid Response Team chairperson, Dr Ipatleleng Atlholang.

Presenting KDMHT COVID-19 situational report to Hukuntsi Sub-council recently, Dr Atlholang said the first cases were reported in Kang in August, then Hukuntsi Primary Hospital followed in September.

Dr Atlholang stated that 367 was the cumulative number of cases recorded across the sub- district as at February 9.

A total of 278 have recovered while three died.

He said the most affected in the sub-district were from the ages of 15-19, followed by 25-29 and the slightest being 5-9 and 50-54 respectively.

Dr Atlholang attributed their success rate to the fact that 80 per cent of high risk close contacts were tested, assessed and quarantined appropriately within 24 hours.

He also said the district was able to identify and assess the affected areas within 24 hours and institute appropriate measures of containment.

Dr Atlholang, however, decried the abrupt increase in cases and subsequent contacts.

He further said non-compliance to prescribed COVID-19 prevention measures remained a challenge, and so did limited infrastructures for quarantine and isolation as well as shortage of water in the sub-district.

Despite the challenges, Dr Atlholang said intensified implementation of key COVID-19 prevention and containment strategies would continue as well as capacitation of the district for further testing of healthcare workers.

Dr Atlholang said they looked forward to an additional preventative measure in the form of vaccination when it would be availed. Ends