Health Department in the Eastern Cape has launched testing and tracing campaign after the recent outbreak of COVID-19 at the University of Fort in the East London campus.
This after 30 students tested positive amid allegations of non-compliance to Alert Level 1 Regulations where masks were not worn, social distancing not observed, non- washing and non -sanitizing of hands was not done at the tavern in Quigney, East London on 3rd October 2020. This non-compliance was also evident on the 10th of October 2020 where the “10-10-2020 Bash” was held in Quigney.
Most of the students that tested positive are from the Nursing Science Faculty and to a lesser degree the Law Faculty.
To date the number of active cases are closer to 30 as results are still streaming in.
The COVID-19 positive students are quarantined and isolated at the Alice Campus where the University had set aside a residence with 134 rooms.
Students that have attended the parties confirmed that Lockdown Regulations were not adhered to. Patrons who were at the tavern were allegedly more than 300 in number, some allegedly been drinking from one bottle and dancing close to one another.
Two students who tested positive went home, one in Mount Fletcher and the other one to Reston in East London. Tracing Teams in both districts Buffalo City and Joe Gqabi were able to locate them.
Higher Education has been alerted of the developments in Fort Hare University.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health urges everyone to remain vigilant as Corona virus is still amongst us. It is an invisible pandemic and our people are encouraged to always wear their masks, keep to social distancing, wash their hand regularly for more than 20 seconds, sanitize their hands and be tested once they exhibit the symptoms of COVID-19.
As the fears of the second wave of COVID-19 there might be a resurgence of the pandemic.
People are also urged to avoid places where there are large crowds.
We have seen an increase in the numbers as the Levels of Lockdown are brought down by government, however people seem to think that COVID-19, is no more.
People are advised to be responsible for their health.
For more information contact:
Siyanda Manana
Head of Communications
Cell: 0833781646
Email: Siyanda.manana@echealth.gov.za
Judy Ngoloyi
Media Liaison Officer Office of the MEC
Contact: 073 117 6194 / 060 564 5389
Email: judy.ngoloyi@gmail.com.
Tandi Mapukata
Spokersperson of the University of Fort Hare
Cell: 064 896 639
Email: tmapukata@ufh.ac.za
