Dying diggers of Namaqualand need saving
| by Dr Isak Fritz, MPL – DA Northern Cape Spokesperson of Health & Social Development |
| Date: 26 August 2020 |
| Release: Immediate |
| Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites in English & Afrikaans from Dr Isak Fritz, MPL. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the Northern Cape Departments of Health and Social Development to offer more support to Huis Namakwaland, a home for the elderly in Springbok, where at least 40 people have tested positive for Covid-19.The home, which is taking precautions, seems unable to contain the spread. This is very worrying, given the vulnerability of people over 60-years of age. It is therefore necessary that additional support is provided to the home by government, to ensure that the residents and staff not only have the best chance at recovery but also that ongoing community transmission of the virus in this vicinity is halted.At the same time, the DA calls on provincial government to be more open and forthcoming with citizens of the Northern Cape about the state of Coronavirus in the province. They must not think that we do not know what is going on. We do and we remain concerned about the province’s ability to best manage the pandemic within our communities.In this regard, the DA is aware of the death of a caregiver at Huis Namakwaland, as was reported by the District Health Manager in Namaqualand, Mrs Dina Beukes, over the local radio station. This death has yet to be added to the provincial Covid-19 statistics. We are fully aware that there are a number of processes and authorisations that have to occur before Covid-19 deaths are officially reported on, but we remain concerned about the prolonged timeframes in this regard. Real-time information and transparency are essential if we are to overcome the current health crisis.The DA sends our condolences to the family of the deceased caregiver, who paid the ultimate price in service to others.The DA further sends good wishes to the residents and staff at the Huis Namakwaland, who are undergoing severe trauma and, who due to lockdown restrictions at the facility, cannot enjoy the love and support from their families at this very difficult time. |
| Media Enquiries |
| Dr Isak Fritz, MPLDA Northern Cape Spokesperson of Health & Social Development083 395 2737 Shelley de WittResearcher0828471387 |
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