North West Health Department clarifies procedures on quarantine and hospital isolation

The North West Health Department has acknowledged the non-compliance by some residents, as it relates to self-isolation amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, and has reiterated the stringent regulations in place.

In a statement today, 9 April 2020, the North West Health Department stated, “The North West Department of Health has noted with concern lack of understanding of the province’s position on self-quarantine at home and mandatory quarantine in a state facility.” The statement went on to explain the importance of remaining in self-isolation, should one show COVID-19 symptoms, as the confirmed number of cases in the province has increased to 15.

The health department has now stated that a general practitioner (GP) or private hospital prescribing self-quarantine at home must request permission from the MEC in writing, after which the case and home will be assessed for suitability. All confirmed cases who are found in public may be criminally charged for deliberately spreading the virus and putting the lives of close contacts at risk.

See the full statement here.

Sayushka Naidoo
[email protected]