The mass community screening and testing initiative kicked off countrywide on 6 April 2020, in a bid to proactively identify potential COVID-19 cases and help flatten the curve of infection.
As the fourth week of Community-based screening and testing takes off, the City of Cape Town’s Health Department and its Metro Health Services partners have conducted 70 310 screenings and 5 767 tests in the metropole.
In the last week alone, there were 30 156 screenings and 2 577 tests.
Areas where screening has taken place to date include:
Bishop Lavis, Netreg, Valhalla Park, Elsies River, Ruyterwacht, Delft, Belhar, Manenberg, Dunoon, Goodwood, Khayelitsha, Imizamo Yethu, Kalksteenfontein, Masiphumelele, Athlone, Lentegeur, Gugulethu, Parkwood, Lotus River, Grassy Park, Philippi, Ottery, Hanover Park, Macassar, Malibu Village, Montana and Kleinvlei.
‘The screening areas are determined based on where positive cases have been identified or where a higher risk of infection exists. The caseload in our metropole is the result of the proactive mass screening campaign, our ability to trace contacts of positive cases, but also the fact that we have seen a number of cluster infections.
‘I want to reiterate that the more positive cases we identify, the sooner we are able to quarantine affected persons, trace and isolate their close contacts and limit the spread of the virus. It is therefore vital for residents to work with us and participate in the screening process as it comes to their areas,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
Practically, the community based screening and testing sees Community Health Care Workers going door-to-door, asking residents questions about COVID-19 symptoms. If residents answer yes to certain questions, then they will be referred for COVID-19 testing, either at a clinic or a mobile site.
The test is quick and only takes a few minutes. Any person who is tested, is requested to self-isolate until their results are available. Residents who have COVID-19 tests, will receive their results usually within two to three days. In the event that a test is positive, the individual will be advised on the appropriate quarantine measures, and treatment.
This week, City Health staff will be involved in community-based screening and testing in the following areas:
| TUESDAY 28 APRIL 2020 | WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2020 | THURSDAY 30 APRIL 2020 |
| Area East | ||
| Kuyasa Clinic | Nolungile Clinic | Nolungile Clinic |
| Matthew Goniwe CDC | Matthew Goniwe CDC | Mayenzeke Clinic |
| Endlovini (MHS) | Endlovini (MHS) | |
| Dr Ivan Toms Clinic | Dr Ivan Toms Clinic | Sir Lowry’s Pass CDC |
| Eerste River Clinic (Forest Village) | Ikhwezi CDC | Ikhwezi CDC |
| Area North: | ||
| Bloekombos Clinic | Bloekombos Clinic | |
| Albow Gardens CDC | Albow Gardens CDC | Albow Gardens CDC |
| Langa Clinic | Langa Clinic | Langa Clinic |
| Area Central: | ||
| Gugulethu Clinic | Gugulethu Clinic | Gugulethu Clinic |
| Masincendane Clinic | Masincendane Clinic | Masincendane Clinic |
| Area South: | ||
| Crossroads 1 Clinic | Crossroads 1 Clinic | Crossroads 1 Clinic |
| Eastridge Clinic | Eastridge Clinic | Eastridge Clinic |
| Lentegeur Clinic | Lentegeur Clinic | Lentegeur Clinic |
| Mzamomhle Clinic | Mzamomhle Clinic | Mzamomhle Clinic |
| Phumlani Clinic | Phumlani Clinic | Phumlani Clinic |
| Rocklands Clinic | Rocklands Clinic | Rocklands Clinic |
| Tafelsig CDC | Tafelsig CDC | Tafelsig CDC |
| Weltevreden Valley Clinic | Weltevreden Valley Clinic | Weltevreden Valley Clinic |
| Westridge Clinic | Westridge Clinic | Westridge Clinic |
‘I urge residents in these areas to please participate in the screening activities. By doing so, you are potentially saving your own life, but also the lives of countless others. It is also important to continue practising good hygiene and social distancing protocols. Stay home, limit contact with others unless it is absolutely necessary, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water, wear a mask whenever you go out in public and be a change champion by encouraging others to follow suit,’ added Councillor Badroodien.