Covid-19: 103 SA police service members test positive, 1 fatality
- Over 100 members of the South African Police Service have tested positive for the coronavirus
- One officer has also lost his life as the nation continues their battle with this unseen enemy
- To date, over 2917 officers have been tested for the virus with only a small portion testing positive
Over 100 police officials have tested positive for the coronavirus as South Africa continues to endure the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.
Speaking during a presentation on Wednesday, April 29, Major General Leon Rabie confirmed the number of cases.
Rabie explained that 2917 police officers have been tested for Covid-19 and the results came back negative for 1795 officers while 103 tested positive. Over 1000 officials placed under quarantine.
Out of the 103 positive cases, 10 have since recovered and 89 were placed in isolation. Three officers required hospitalisation and one died.
Rabie explained that 45 police buildings have been evacuated while 39 were decontaminated and since reopened.
"The biggest threat, from a resource perspective, remains a reduced workforce, due to increasing levels of infections. In addition to preventative measures implemented, levels of infection and the impact on staffing levels are constantly being monitored," read Rabie's presentation.
The official says that reserve options have been explored, should the need arise to bolster the force.
"A reserve capability, currently performing non-critical functions, has been identified to be deployed to critical functions if and when the need arises. Measures are implemented to limit the exposure of personnel."
Personal protective equipment including masks, gloves and hand sanitiser has been procured to ensure the safety of employees, especially those in the field.
Legit.ng gathered that the police response to the crisis will cost the nation around R2.8 billion.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that an unnamed nurse and her mother allegedly tested positive for coronavirus after showing symptoms of Covid-19 in Imokun, Epe local government area of Lagos state.
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The nurse works at a private hospital. She and her mother’s test results became known on Sunday, April 26.
It should be noted that prior to the latest development, the town was one of the three local governments in the state that were yet to record any case of the virus.
It was said that the team of the Lagos state task force on Covid-19 were at the palace of the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun on Sunday, April 26, to confirm the report.
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Source: Legit.ng