St Augustine's, Kingsway to reopen under strict guidelines, says Zikalala
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says his provincial
government is happy that the decision to reopen both St Augustine's and
Kingsway hospitals won’t pose any danger to health workers or patients.
The two Netcare hospitals, in Durban and Amanzimtoti respectively, were forced to close after an alarming number of coronavirus cases, but are scheduled to reopen on Monday.
At least 66 people, including 45 healthcare workers, tested positive at St Augustine's Hospital while Kingsway also has numerous positive cases.
Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, Zikalala said the decision to reopen the institutions comes after his health department reviewed reports by the holding group NetCare Limited.
The two hospitals will have to follow strict guidelines.
"One, all regulations issued by the president of the country are abided by. Two, PPE's are issued at all staff working at theses institutions, a fever clinic is in place at both institutions and Covid-19 is provided for all the staff of the institutions," said Zikalala.
The provincial Department of Health will conduct unexpected visits to these facilities to ensure adherence to all the measures.
He adds the health department appreciated the talks held by NetCare Limited Group to resolve challenges faced by the St Augustine's and Kingsway hospitals.