The Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) can confirm that there are four positive cases of COVID-19 within the military community.
Three cases are from the Western Cape, while one is from Gauteng. In a statement confirming the cases, the SANDF emphasises that none of the cases are uniformed members. Neither are they members deployed in support of the SAPS.
“It is imperative to note that the military community is bigger than the South African Defence Force,” the statement highlights.
The military community is inclusive of dependants of the serving, retired soldiers and others who are eligible for care by the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS). All COVID-19 cares are being treated and managed as per COVID-19 prescribed protocols.
As the SANDF assists the police, the statement emphasises that it is taking the necessary steps to protect its members.
“Frontline workers (emergency medical teams, nurses, doctors, porters including soldiers patrolling the townships have been issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Other preventative measures include thermal screening, hand sanitising and wearing of surgical masks by Department of Defence personnel.”
Furthermore, the SANDF explains it has identified quarantine and isolation facilities for the military community in preparation for the envisaged overflow in military hospitals and sickbays.
“These facilities are Department of Defence establishments with accommodation capacity in all provinces.”
The Surgeon General further emphasises that the military community is part of the broader South African population. Thus, the SANDF is not immune from the spread of the coronavirus.
As of last night, April 14, there are a total of 2415 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa.
The provincial breakdown is as follows:
- Gauteng – 909
- Western Cape – 643
- KwaZulu-Natal – 489
- Eastern Cape – 174
- Free State – 98
- Limpopo – 24
- Mpumalanga – 22
- North West – 22
- Northern Cape – 16
- Unallocated – 18
Citizens are encouraged to adhere to lockdown regulations. Be sure to stay at home and only leave your home if absolutely necessary.
