Daily Podcast – March 23, 2020

23rd March 2020 By: Thabi Shomolekae - Creamer Media Senior Writer

Daily Podcast – March 23, 2020

President Cyril Ramaphosa

For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Ramaphosa to address nation; Gauteng health department not compromising on measures to stop coronavirus; And, Uganda confirms first case of Covid-19

 

Ramaphosa to address nation

As the nation waited on Monday for President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, the President released his weekly column, highlighting the task governments across the globe had, to contain the virus and to protect its people and economies.

Rampahosa will address the country this evening, with the time yet to be confirmed.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Sunday said the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country stood at 274, an increase of 34 cases from Saturday’s reported 240 cases.

Ramaphosa said the government had a duty to ensure that it contained the spread of the virus and provided help to those in need.

The President said corporate South Africa and the business community have stepped up and affirmed their support for the emergency measures and regulations.

 

Gauteng health department not compromising on measures to stop coronavirus

The Gauteng Department of Health is cancelling all elective surgeries as part of its strict measures to deal with the spread of Covid-19.

The outpatient department would reduce the number of patient visits by using an appointment system and chronic patients linked to centralised chronic medical dispensing and distribution to be provided with a three-month supply of medication, and a repeat script for six months.

Only two people per patient will be allowed during visiting hours at health facilities, with one person per patient for no more than 15 minutes.

 

And, Uganda confirms first case of Covid-19

Uganda ministry of health has confirmed its first case of coronavirus.

Minister of health in Uganda Jane Ruth Aceng said the confirmed case is a 36-year-old Ugandan man who arrived from Dubai on Saturday.

Aceng said the confirmed case presented with high fever and poor appetite.

The minister said all measures were undertaken to identify this case at the airport and isolate him in a timely manner.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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