‘I am trying not to blame anyone and not to overreact while waiting for the test results but it is very stressful. They should develop a rapid test that can immediately detect the virus.’
A SECURITY officer, who was tested for Covid-19 after being exposed to an infected person at her workplace in Kimberley, is worried that her family has also been placed at risk.
She said that she was informed that a patient first has to display symptoms before testing can be done at state facilities.
“It is very frustrating because symptoms can take up to 14 days to show and by then it will already be too late. It is also difficult to keep a record of all the people I have been in contact with over that time. I wanted my family to be tested too, as a safety precaution,” she said.
“I stay in an RDP house with my two daughters and father. I was advised to keep a metre distance from my daughters and to have no contact with my father, who is 61 years old, as he is vulnerable. However, it is not always possible when you stay in a small house and I am the one who cooks, cleans and cares for my family.”
She added that she is “highly stressed” as she is still awaiting her test results.
“I was tested last week and I do not know how long it will take before I know my status. I was told to self-quarantine for 14 days but I had to go to the chemist on Monday because I have a cough that comes and goes, chest pains and a sore throat. I have no idea how to distinguish symptoms of ordinary flu and the coronavirus.”
She explained that she had been in close contact and handled equipment that was used by a staff member who had since tested positive for the virus.
“I am trying not to blame anyone and not to overreact while waiting for the test results but it is very stressful. They should develop a rapid test that can immediately detect the virus.”
