CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town is gearing up to kick start their clinic service following disruptions and low patient numbers due to Covid-19.
According to a statement released by the city, there has been a notable decline in the number of clients accessing some of the key services that the City’s 104 clinics provide, due to the national lockdown, but also fear about possible exposure to the virus in recent months.
They said that services affected included child immunisations and screening for both communicable and non-communicable diseases such as TB, HIV and Diabetes.
As part of their kick start campaign, the city's health department has put the following measures in place ;
Increased measures in clinics to mitigate the risk of COVID infection among staff
A project that will result in the establishment of 80 overflow facilities at clinics
Mobile testing booths for COVID-19
Additional Expanded Public Works personnel to assist the public education and awareness efforts of Environmental Health
The fast-tracking of more than 100 vacancies within the Health Department
‘There have been so many learnings over the past few months. In June, we were experiencing ongoing clinic closures due to COVID-19 exposure; however, we are very encouraged by the fact that there hasn’t been a single closure due to COVID in at least a month. This speaks to the measures that have been implemented to ensure staff and client safety, but also how our staff have adapted to the new normal and we commend their grit and determination amid very trying circumstances. The measures that we have introduced will help see us through the pandemic, but some of it will also remain behind for the long-term benefit of our communities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
CORONAVIRUS MONITOR