As Covid-19 infections within Zimbabwean communities grow, two medical aid societies in
Firms closing a branch or a unit see this as necessary to allow disinfecting of premises and testing of all staff so that the units can re-open safely as soon as possible, with all on duty confirmed as free of infection.
Among the positive tests are two who died, a member of staff at a
Many of the initial screening are the rapid results tests, which require a confirming PCR test before the person is confirmed as infected.
On Saturday the
Another Bulawayo death was a 36-year-old woman admitted to hospital on Thursday with a persistent cough. This takes the death toll to 25.
So far 439 people were reported to be fully recovered by Saturday.
And as a result, and on the chance that the four infected staff infected others,
This process was expected to be complete by tomorrow, and the outcome of the tests would govern the company's decision on resumption of operations.
Cimas, the large medical aid concern, sent a bulletin to members signed by chief executive Vulindela Ndlovu saying that a member of the reception staff tested positive for Covid-19 during routine random testing on Thursday. Cimas immediately started testing those who shared transport, work facilities or equipment. This resulted in another 21 positive results. All who tested positive are now in quarantine awaiting instructions from the Covid-19 rapid results team and
Although not mentioned in the bulletin, this probably means that confirming tests are required before any in the group are confirmed as infected.
Cimas have now disinfected the premises.
The other very large medical aid society,
Cheetah Express Logistics, who operate FedEx Zimbabwe, said in their management statement that a member of staff who had flu symptoms was sent home and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19. Further staff in the same department were tested and found positive, but had no symptoms. They are now in quarantine and will follow
After both rapid tests and PCR tests Cheetah are now assured that all staff on duty at all facilities are clear of infection and the company plans to keep testing to assure all customers and staff that FedEx will continue to maintain the integrity of its environment.
The initial staffer infected is doing well and will soon be counted as recovered.
Even churches have been hit.
In a notice, Reverend Father
"Please note that all masses at the Cathedral for today (Sunday) and tomorrow have been cancelled."
The church proceeded to conduct a mass via its Facebook page.
Father Muguti said the church was expecting
He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased whom he said succumbed to complications linked to Covid-19.
"The deceased's family have been communicated to and they are also liaising with the Ministry of Health for funeral arrangements which they are yet to communicate to us.
"As a precautionary measure, all persons who could have got in close contact with the late, should take necessary measures of self-isolation. Contact tracing will be guided by the Ministry of Health," said Father Muguti.
He said the source of the infection was still unknown and urged parishioners to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.
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