Coronavirus claims a life at Gauteng mental health facility
Over 100 patients and staff working in Gauteng mental Institutions have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The department has 4 specialized Mental Health facilities, as well as Life Esidimeni health care and Clinix Health Group to provide care for.
Coronavirus claims a life at Gauteng mental health facility by Sine Madolo on Scribd
The department says Covid19 has claimed the life of an elderly man who had an underlying disease.
"In Solomon Stix Morewa Memorial Hospital (Selby) out of 416 MHCUs 93 tested positive, 255 are negative and 68 are awaiting results.
The department has confirmed in a statement that one of the patients has passed away after contracting the virus.
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"Sadly an elderly man with underlying conditions, who was admitted at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, died on 17 June 2020," reads the statement.
The department says it its closely monitoring the situation at both the departmental-run mental health institutions and at contracted facilities.
"A number of the Mental Health Care Users (MHCUs) are people with comorbidities. Coupled with the inability of most patients to adhere to Covid-19 precautionary measures put in place such as regular hand washing, cough etiquette, wearing of masks and maintaining physical distance this makes to be mental health care uses among the most vulnerable groups".
Protective gear has been given to the institutions and measures to ensure health and safety have also been put in place.