17 Feb 2021

Mahalapye Hospice isolation centre is under maintenance for the purpose of increasing its capacity.

Giving an update at the ongoing Mahalapye Sub-council session on February 15, Acting hospital superintendent for Mahalapye District Health Management Team (DHMT), Dr Kagiso Tshegetsang said the centre’s current capacity was 24 and upon completion, it would be 70. He further explained that with the current surge, the DHMT reconsidered repurposing Moko Clinic, where sexual reproductive services were offered, to relieve the main isolation centre.

Dr Tshegetsang stated that the DHMT was working on assessing the space at Mahalapye District Hospital to make appropriate arrangements to cater for both COVID-19 quarantine and isolation patients.

He also said the refurbished Sefhare Clinic would be used as a COVID-19 isolation centre, revealing that the number of cumulative cases stood at 678, with 119 active cases, 553 recoveries and six deaths.

Dr Tshegetsang said most of the clinics in the sub-district were capacitated to conduct rapid tests. 

He said the rise in COVID-19 cases was a result of failure to comply with the protocols, stating that schools, churches and shops were super spreaders, urging people to avoid overcrowding at such places.

He further said people continued cooking during funerals and also attended gatherings in large numbers, which led to the spread of the virus. He therefore urged councillors to continue advising members of the public to adhere to COVID-19 protocols. 

Dr Tshegetsang emphasised the need to intensify public education and inspection. ends