The virus spreads like wildfire. The only way to limit is through social distancing. – Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Prime Minister

Government has procured 60 bespoke mobile screening and testing units that are kitted to accelerate the discovery for Covid-19 infections, the Minister of Health Dr. Zweli Mkhize said Wednesday in a statement of the “Mobile Laboratories National Health Laboratory Services” (NHLS).

The new vehicle (units), the Minister stated, will be combined with the seven (7) already in the South African health system and are designed and equipped to produce results within 45 minutes.

The President of the country, Cyril Ramaphosa, revealed on Monday a rigorous ramped-up testing will be phased in far-flung villages and densely populated townships. The stepped-up government actions are sparked by, among other things, community spread that has taken effect.

The statement said:

‘The President has approved a “COVID Home Visits Program”, of mass community-based screening, referral for clinic testing, quarantine of suspected cases and appropriate care for COVID-19 patients.’

(Left) Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize and (right) MEC for Health in Gauteng Province, Dr. Bandile Masuku | Image cred: NICD

The ‘mass community-based’ mobile units will be rolled-out to hotspots like Alexander in Johannesburg and Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, the Minister signaled. For the most part, he underscored that the government had been on a defensive and reactionary mode.

Currently, instead of waiting for patients, the government will go out to find the patients. This is the offensive operational strategy that triggered more vehicle-sampling units that will go out into communities across the country.

Even though Dr Mkhize was tentative to project the number of cases and deaths; saying the government is looking at various models from different countries, especially South Korea. Because the circumstances in SA are different from those of the Eastern Asian countries, he indicated that there are going to be approaches adapted to suit the domestic environment.

In its warpath against the coronavirus pandemic, the state will solicit the assistance of China and Cuba. While the Chinese expertise will be useful because they have gone through this period with measured success,  the Cuban community-district model is ideal for South Africa, Dr Mkhize stated.

In a full-throttle approach to combat the unbridled lethal virus, the Minister said that ‘there must be alertness, courage and vigilance among our people, not fear.’ Clinics, he added, will be required to report speedily and daily to their districts.

The government noted that well-off households can afford private care. But the main concern now are internal transmissions which affect the vulnerable without means. Meaning that among those, the infected and affected may not make it or be reluctant to get to health facilities due of their difficult circumstances. It is this disadvantaged cohort that worries the government.

However, Dr. Mkhize had some good news to share with the nation. He highlighted and reposted on his Twitter @DrZweliMkhize Wednesday April 1 that:

‘I ascribe this reduction in the rate of increase due to: closing the borders, enforcing quarantine on inbound travelers, lockdown has slowed internal transmission by reducing the spread during large gatherings and overcrowded transport routes eg Trains, buses and taxis.’

South Africa is on its 6th day of nationwide lockdown. With five (5) Covid-19 deaths, SA stands at 1, 380 cases and 31 have recovered as of April 01, 2020.

Underneath is the provincial breakdown for Covid-19 cases in South Africa as published in the Minister of Health’s statement: