Masuku: Authorities bracing for Covid-19 outbreak in Soweto
Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku has confirmed a Covid-19 related death at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
This is the first coronavirus death at the public hospital.
Speaking in Sandton on Tuesday, Masuku said the victim hailed from Soweto and as a result, health authorities in the province are preparing for a possible outbreak in the township.
"There is a death that happened at Charlotte Maxeke as confirmed by the Minister (of Health Zweli Mkhize). Every death is announced by the minister after consulting with the national Covid-19 command team,” said Masuku.
Mkhize expressed concern about the death on Durban on Monday, saying the 57-year-old had now obvious underlying symptoms as was the case with all the other victims of the virus.
Well-known broadcast journalist Redi Tlhabi earlier confirmed that one of her relatives, who lived in Soweto, passed away from Covid-19.
Tlhabi said her cousin Somi Vilakazi in hospital at the weekend.
"Somi had no history of travel. He lived & worked in Soweto. He recently opened a coffee shop at the Hector Peterson Memorial. He was so proud. We can only suspect that he interacted with some tourists. We simply don't know & make no definite claims. He had no preexisting issues.”
I am sharing this to educate others, to share our journey & to help officials identify if there is any need for further tracing, based on our cousin's journey. This is not a debate. It is not criticism. There's nothing to criticize. I am sharing Somi's steps with love & grace
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) April 12, 2020
Masuku said the department has done nearly 90 000 tests as it ramps up its response to the deadly virus.
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