By: Zethu Gweva
A number of 18 state facilities will be converted to field hospitals as a Community Based COVID-19 Response strategy.
In a statement issued by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, it is said that they are changing tactics to manage the virus, introducing a Community Based COVID-19 Response plan.
“We have taken a decision to convert 18 state-owned facilities like museums, schools, hostels, nursing colleges, training centres, in all the districts and municipal areas of our province into field hospitals, said Mabuyane.
He added that it will provide them with 2080 beds, which include 218 high care beds.
“We plan to have these field hospitals ready soon so that we are able to accommodate more people that will be in need,” said Mabuyane.
In-addition, Mabuyane conveyed that this plan is Ward based in the spirit of Masiphathisane and is anchored on their strategic focus areas of containing the virus, protecting the poor, rejuvenating the provincial economy and securing the future.
“Observing the increasing numbers of infected people in the province, we have taken a decision that in order to avoid risky behaviour. Positive cases should be isolated under supervision to reduce the spread of the virus,” he said.