South Africa
South Africans queued outside a clinic in Johannesburg Friday to get tested for the coronavirus.
With increasing number of cases in th country, the government is stepping up ability for testing.
“I came to the clinic to do my BP (Blood Pressure) test because I am a hypertension patient. I saw people outside getting tested for coronavirus so I’d also like to get tested to know my status, if I’m okay or not”, Sharnie Matthews, a patient at the clinic said.
The mobile sampling and testing units were launched by South Africa’s health minister on Wednesday. The facilities will be deployed across the country to test people within their communities.
An initiative by the government is supplying residents of informal settlements in Alexandra with hand sanitizers.
“I’ve got hope, after receiving the sanitizer I felt that my chances of being infected with the virus are very minimal. And I’m very grateful for the sanitizer”, Alexandra resident, Ayanda Ntsimbi said.
More than 1400 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in this Southern African nation with 5 fatalities. South Africa is observing a 21-day nationwide lockdown to curtail spread of the virus.
AP
01:02
Pics of the day: May 2, 2024
02:14
Malaria: The plight of residents of low-income neighbourhoods
01:55
South Africa marks Freedom Day ahead of tough general election
02:20
South Africa to mark 30 years of freedom amid inequality and tense election ahead
Go to video
Repatriated South African apartheid-era artworks on display to celebrate 30 years of democracy
Go to video
Botswana rejects controversial UK proposal on asylum-seekers