SDM official tests positive for COVID-19
GROBLERSDAL – Sekhukhune District Municipality’s (SDM) headquarters in Groblersdal closed down for fumigation as ratepayers were encouraged to use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to pay for services until Monday, 29 June 2020 after an official located in the office of the executive mayor tested positive for COVID-19.
The district municipality said on Friday, 19 June 2020, it received confirmation that an official locate in the office of the executive mayor had tested positive for COVID-19.
Moloko Moloto, SDM Communications Officer, said the official was in self-isolation and was following health protocols.
Moloto said that was the first positive COVID-19 case involving employees of the district municipality and that Executive Mayor Stanley Ramaila and the official who tested positive for COVID-19 had not had contact in recent times.
He said Executive Mayor Ramaila tested, awaited the results and remained in isolation. Equally, officials who had close contact with their colleague who tested positive for COVID-19 were tested by the Health Department officials immediately after he matter was brought to the attention of the management, according to Moloto.
Moloto said in addition, all municipal officials who had been physically reporting for duty at the headquarters were tested.
Executive Mayor Ramaila urged all the staff members to remain calm and said they understood the seriousness of the matter.
The executive mayor called on all officials to observe health protocols as they awaited the results of their tests.
“We also wish our colleague who tested positive a speedy recovery during this difficult time,” said Ramaila.
Meanwhile, SDM said in a statement on Monday, 22 June 2020, that Executive Mayor Ramaila tested negative for COVID-19.
According to the statement, Ramaila took the test on Friday, 19 June 2020, after it was confirmed hat a staffer located in his office tested positive for the coronavirus.
Moloto said Executive Mayor Ramaila’s results were released on Monday morning and several municipal officials who had contact with their colleague also tested on Friday. “Their results are yet to be released. They remain in self-isolation,” said Moloto.
