While a 28-year-old medical doctor, who was the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in the province, has fully recovered from the virus after testing negative for Covid-19, the rural Vhembe district has recorded its first two cases of the virus. 

A 54-year-old female who travelled to the United States of America, and a 45-year-old female with no travel history are the first people to test positive for Covid-19 in Vhembe. The 45-year-old is suspected to be Limpopo’s first case of local transmission.

Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has previously said that her biggest fear is the virus reaching rural areas within the province, as her department will struggle to contain the virus if it spreads to water-deprived villages. Most villages within the Vhembe district do not have adequate water supply, which makes it extra difficult for them to take adequate Covid-19 preventative measures, such as consistent hand-washing.

The province currently has 13 laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases (including the first recovery), while the only suspected local transmission is in Vhembe district. The Waterberg district is currently leading with 6 cases, while Capricorn has recorded 4 cases. Mopani District has one case of a 30-year-old male, who was arrested over the weekend after he failed to quarantine himself after having tested positive in Gauteng.

Vigilance and self-discipline required

Ramathuba has since called on the people of Limpopo to exercise maximum discipline during the lockdown period.

“Our people must adhere to the rules of this lockdown because this is the only way we can contain the spread of the virus. We are already recording deaths in other provinces and should knock sense to many of us to say — if we are not vigilant enough by doing what is right, we will soon be seeing deaths on our doorstep,” says Ramathuba.

The MEC has also welcomed the first recorded recovery in the province, saying that should be a motivation for others. Ramathuba commended the doctor’s self-discipline, as he immediately self-quarantined after his return from overseas. 

“This must also give hope to the community to say, if we do what is right, we can contain the spread of this disease.” — Health-e News.

For more information on Covid-19 in South Africa, you can call the toll-free line on 0800 029 999, or you can send a message that says “Hi” on WhatsApp to the number 060 012 3456. You can also visit the SA Coronavirus website.