‘COVID-19 will be difficult to manage if it spreads to townships’

Alexandra residents defiant on day four of 21-day lockdown.

The Gauteng Health Department has warned that the coronavirus will be difficult to fight if it spreads to the country’s townships.

The department’s warning comes after five people were placed under quarantine in the densely-populated Alexandra township north of Johannesburg after being in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

The Alexandra resident disregarded instructions to remain in isolation after he tested positive and travelled to Limpopo where he was arrested.

The township is one of the areas in the country where some residents are not complying with the lockdown regulations.

The department’s spokesperson Kwara Kekana says, “The Department can confirm that there are five people who are currently under quarantine after being in close contact with a confirmed case. The confirmed case, tested and was instructed to remain under self- isolation while awaiting results.”

“Upon positive confirmation of results, our team of tracers working with law enforcement agencies tracked the confirmed case to Limpopo. He had disregarded an instruction and travelled outside of the province last week before the lock down. He is currently under isolation in a health facility in Limpopo,” adds Kekana.

Non-compliance to lockdown regulations

Some South Africans in areas including Alexandra have been defiant to the orders government has given during the national shutdown.

Five people in quarantine in the high density township after coming into contact with a person infected with the coronavirus.

In the video below, SABC News looks at the situation in Alexandra: