AT least 21 people from Cimas Medical Aid Society in Harare
have tested positive for Covid-19 after a staff member contracted the virus.
In a statement, Cimas chief executive officer Mr Vulindlela
Ndlovu said the situation was discovered after a routine staff testing
procedure.
“A member of our reception staff tested positive for
Covid-19 on Thursday, 16 July 2020 following routine and random testing of our
staff. Contact tracing and testing subsequently revealed that other members of
staff had been exposed to the virus as they had been in the same work area with
the staff member who had tested positive. The case was subsequently handed over
to the Covid-19 Rapid Response Team and contact tracing began.
“We also proceeded to test staff in that facility as well
as other staff who share transport with her and 21 more have tested positive
for the virus. While the source of the infections is unknown, common factors
among those who tested positive is that they all shared transport and/or shared
workstations, computers, or telephone handsets.”
Mr Ndlovu said all those who tested positive were now in
quarantine after being referred to the Covid-19 Rapid Response Team and the
Harare City Health Department. He said the affected employees would also be
covered for treatment under the recently introduced Cimas Covid-19 cover. Mr
Ndlovu said all Cimas premises in Harare have been disinfected.
“As a precautionary measure, all Cimas premises in Harare
have been deep cleaned and disinfected. The Cimas High Glen Clinic, in a
separate incident, has been closed temporarily following the exposure of a
staff member to a confirmed case.
“Our priority is the safety of our staff and continued
service where possible for our members. We urge you to embrace digital
platforms as well as virtual means of communication and interaction with the
Society for all membership and pre-authorisation queries. We have introduced
Dial-a-Doctor and a medicine delivery service to allow for virtual
consultations and drug deliveries to your doorstep,” he said. Sunday Mail
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