Newcastle Local Mayor Cllr. Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
In a statement issued by Mlungisi Khumalo. Newcastle Municipality’s Chief Communication Officer, Dr Mahlaba decided to test for the virus, after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus.
“As a precautionary measure and to ascertain the extent of the risk of exposure to others, and as gazetted in the Covid-19 regulations, Mayor Dr Mahlaba will self-isolate at home and monitor his health,” Khumalo explained in the statement.
The mayor will also continue to execute his mayoral duties via virtual platforms and provide much needed advice on dealing with the novel coronavirus.
He is currently in good health and has not displayed any symptoms yet.
“I’m currently self–isolating at home, I’m coping well, and I am in good spirits. While in isolation, I’ve encouraged everyone who I’ve been in close contact with to go and test for the virus, especially members of my staff. I urge anyone who displays symptoms of the virus to immediately test to prevent transmission. I’ll remain in isolation for the next 14 days, whilst carrying out my mayoral duties,” remarked Dr Mahlaba.
Dr Mahlaba is appealing to residents of Newcastle to unite more than ever. As well as practice social distancing and show empathy to those who have been diagnosed with the virus, as the municipality grapples with increasing figures of people diagnosed with coronavirus.
He further calls upon residents to be in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones due to this global pandemic. The mayor says residents should be cognizant of the fact that this virus attacks everyone, and that none is immune to it.
In addition, the Newcastle Municipality can confirm that to date, July 15, five municipal employees have been diagnosed with Covid-19.
The employees are currently in isolation, and in line with the Covid-19 Department of Health protocols. Furthermore, four units have been closed until necessary disinfection and decontamination measures are conducted. Employees who have been in contact with the said staff members will also undergo testing and self-isolation.
Please note the following municipal areas will remain temporarily closed due to COVID-19 positive cases:
- Newcastle Library
- Charlestown Library
- Town Planning Unit (Tower Block Building)
- Supply Chain Management Unit (Tower Block Building)
Despite this series of unfortunate developments, the municipality assures the public that service delivery will continue unhindered. Municipal frontline staffers will remain on duty, while taking the precautionary safety measures for themselves and others.
The municipality wishes Mayor Dr Mahlaba a speedy recovery and sends out its well wishes to all those affected by Covid-19.
One Response
Dear honourable major, Dr Mahlaba.
The advice you have given about asking people to get tested who has been in touch with you, is NOT current policy and a person with your statue should not promote advice that puts the already overburdened health care system under unnecessary strain.
The advice should be: Those who have been in touch with you and had high risk exposure (i.e more than 20 minutes close contact), should self-isolate for 8 days with NO need for a test if they do not show any symptoms. No need to get test to return to work after 8 days if they DO NOT show any symptoms. Only seek medical advice and get referred for a test if you show typical COVID19 symptoms. Please update your statement to the media and public to reflect this.
Kind regards and get well soon.
Dr Francois van Niekerk