Patient in city steadily improving
THE SABC offices in Kimberley have been closed and all staff have been placed under quarantine after a journalist tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize on Friday announced the death of two people in the Western Cape – one at a private hospital and the other at a public hospital after they contracted the Covid-19 virus.
The number of infections has surpassed the 1 000 mark.
Meanwhile the patient who also tested positive for the Covid-19 virus after being admitted to a private hospital in the city about six days ago, has indicated that his condition is steadily improving.
Dries Delport from Sterkstroom farm, just outside Boshof stated that while the severity of the symptoms would vary from person to person, he was trusting that he would make a full recovery.
He is currently at the isolation ward at Gariep Mediclinic in Kimberley.
Delport added that the virus was a test of faith.
“It not only attacks you physically but it forces you to stare death in the face. It makes you question if you are ready or not. It is not child’s play. The only advantage it gives you is that it gives you an opportunity to cherish the ones who support you – your family and friends who carry you through difficult times.”
He stated that his symptoms felt “like a severe case of bronchitis”.
“Just before I went to the hospital, I said my nightly prayers with my wife and child. Shortly thereafter I felt really ill. By the time I was admitted into hospital and was administered with oxygen, I felt a lot better. The hospital staff have treated me with care and professionalism. My condition is improving.”
He indicated that he was concerned that he could have infected people with whom he had come into contact with before he was diagnosed.
“By God’s grace, it appears that everyone else on the farm is in good health. There is just one possible person who might have fallen ill.”
His wife has been placed in quarantine but is not displaying any symptoms.
