KZN patients diverted as two hospitals confirm COVID-19 outbreaks
As the country battles a COVID-19 resurgence, KZN health officials have confirmed outbreaks at Durban's Addington and Chatsworth's RK Khan Hospitals.
Since the beginning of this month, 38 staff members at Addington have tested positive for the virus.
"This includes 11 nursing staff, one allied worker and 28 support staff member.
However, Addington Hospital continues to function and is accepting all walk-in patients.
Only those who are picked up by ambulance are being diverted to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial and King Edward Hospital."
READ: KZN Premier: Beach closures not off the table
KZN Health's Ntokozo Maphisa says 23 workers have also been diagnosed with coronavirus at RK Khan Hospital.
"Which is made up of seven Nurses, ten Doctors, two radiologists Clerks and one general orderly."
He says contrary to reports, the Chatsworth facility has not shut its doors:
"RK Khan hospital is also open and rendering healthcare services while following strict COVID-19 infection, prevention and control protocols."
The Health MEC's meanwhile has called for calm and urged people to adhere to regulations. After the country entered a second wave last week, KZN was identified as one of the key drivers of infections.
The Health Ministry's confirmed that 170 more people have died in South Africa, after they'd contracted Covid-19, bringing the death toll from the crisis so far, to 23 276.
Almost 8 000 new infections have been recorded in the last 24 hours. More than 860 000 people have been diagnosed with the virus, since the outbreak.
761-000 have since recovered.
We'll hear today what government's plans are after meetings were held yesterday by the National Coronavirus Command Council and the President's Coordinating Council. President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation this evening.
